Ineffable - Regulus Black

six

The astronomy tower is always so peaceful at night, Cordelia smiles slightly as the wind blows through her hair softly. 

Oh what a terrible Ravenclaw she was. A month or so into term and she was out after hours and potentially a future death eater. She needs to pull herself together or people would think something was up she thought to herself.

"One last moment of feeling sorry for yourself Cordelia" she mutters out loud to the empty darkness.

Looking up at the stars she finds herself dreaming of another universe, one without all this pain and darkness. 

All of a sudden however, a voice interrupts her peacefulness.

"The brightest star in the Leo constellation" A male's voice sounds out from inside the dark tower.

"Regulus" She responds instantly snapping her head in his direction startled slightly.

"Yes." He speaks softly walking towards her.

"Cordelia, I didn't know there was such a thing as a disobeying Ravenclaw." A hint of humour laces his soft toned voice.

"You'd be surprised." She says flatly unamused by her peace and quiet being taken from her.

"May I?" Regulus says gesturing to the spot beside her.

She nods cautiously as he sits down next to her, their legs slightly brushing against each other. She'd not had many encounters over the years with the younger black brother, Sirius hardly if ever  spoke about him. Sure she'd seen him over the years, this year in particular at the prefect meetings and in ancient runes but Slytherin's tend to keep to their houses and themselves. Surprisingly she felt a strange sense of comfort from him, she could sense that he seemed troubled like her and that made her feel not so alone.

"Can't sleep?" Regulus asks.

"Not at all. Hardly ever lately" Cordelia responds truthfully.

"Me neither." He replies lighting a cigarette in his mouth as silence once again fills the air.

She leans her head back against the stone cold wall of the astronomy tower, letting her eyes close softly. She wasn't sure if it was sleep catching up with her of if it was the soothing mixture of Regulus's cologne and cigarette smoke that filled the air that brought comfort to her. But soon enough she found herself drifting off to sleep. Regulus looks at her curiously as she falls asleep her head lightly dropping on his shoulder. He takes another drag of his cigarette inhaling deeply before letting the smoke out into the night air.  He wasn't sure if it was because of the letter he'd read, or the vulnerable state he'd seen her in but he felt a strong urge to protect the small girl beside him. He stayed as still as he could letting her sleep, and once his cigarette was finished he lay her down lightly taking off his robe and placing it over her body.

-The Next Morning-

Cordelia was awoken by a cold breeze and birds squawking in the distance.... why was her bed so cold? Then she remembered where she was and shot her eyes open suddenly, looking around at the emptiness of the astronomy tower. Had she slept here all night? Feeling the weight of the extra robe on her body , she sits up and pulling it off  and looking at the green Slytherin crest sewn into it.

Regulus.

She smiles lightly, who knew a Slytherin could be caring. Sirius would not believe this... not that she was going to tell him. Cordelia got to her feet quickly looking out over the tower edge at the sunrise. From the suns position she could tell it was (thankfully) early enough for her to sneak back to her dorm before breakfast. Clutching Regulus's robe in her arms, she sneaks down the tower steps feeling refreshed from the sleep she'd finally gotten.

A/N : I have covid and it's sucky :(