The Waiting Game▬RL 1

Exhausting

"Today we will be practicing non-verbal spells. Would anyone like to demonstrate?" Professor McGonagall announced after the class got settled. Renee's hand seemed to float up, she quickly pulled it back down only for it to rise again. "Yes, Miss Potter." Renee internally groaned, glancing at her brother who had his wand pointed at her. Ironically casting a non-verbal spell. She focused her wand on a piece of parchment and concentrated on the spell flintifors, successfully turning it into a matchbox. "Perfect! Five points to Hufflepuff and Gryffindor!" She gave a knowing look to James, who basked in the appraisal. The girl huffed, pushing the leaf around in her mouth. Every class she shared with James since he gave her the mandrake leaf, he made her have to participate. He thought he was so funny. That's fine though. This was the last class before the holidays. Then she could hide away in her room. That's if Monty and Mia would let her be.

"Look at that, Renny! We got some of the last house points before Christmas." James sang in his sister's ear as they walked down the corridor. His smile was wide, throwing his arm over her shoulder. She moved along with him quietly. Mostly because she knew that if she tried to talk, he would make fun of her. As if he didn't struggle for four years to turn into an animagus.

"I'll interpret for you babes, Jamie leave me alone! You're not funny and you're not the best-looking twin!" Dorcas pulled Ren from her brother's grasp, throwing up the middle finger while laughing at his expression. "I wish your voice would come back. It's quite exhausting having to talk for you."

"Oh Dorcas, you love talking. I don't know how Ren even gets a word in when she's with you." James skipped by them, running right into Peter's back. Almost knocking him over. He quickly recovered both of them, patting Wormy on the back.

"Prongs! Watch where you're going. Don't want to have a broken arm for Christmas."

"It was all Renny! She pushed me into you."

"This is why I like girls, Ren." The Potter girl let out a small snort. Both pushed past James. The Hufflepuffs broke away from the group, heading to the basement.

✿

Renee spent the last night with Dorcas, Marlene claimed her for the train ride. Ren was happy for her friend. Marls might be childish and overbearing. But she was perfect for Dorcas. Very caring and she always gave her all. She loves to joke around, but when she doesn't think anyone's watching she is the most considerate girlfriend and friend. McKinnon scrubbed the girl's toilets after Renee told Dorcas about the slurs. She didn't realize she could use the scouring charm.

"Is this seat taken?" A voice pulled Renee from her thoughts, a body leaning into the open door.

"I don't own the train, Black." Renny pushed the leaf into her cheek, assuming they were about to have a conversation.

"Right." The boy sat across from her. He seemed a bit offended by her talking with food in her mouth. Renee had never had a proper conversation with him. He had always glared or made a snide comment. Regulus Black would never associate with Blood Traitors, especially if they were his brother's friends. If you could even call Renny that. The Hufflepuff watched as the Slytherin stretched out his limbs. Seemingly getting comfortable.

"What are you doing here Regulus?" His elbows rested above the cushion behind him. He didn't say anything, just watched her. His stare wasn't the thing that bothered her. It was the pain hidden behind the irises which reminded her of his brother. Regulus' expression was blank as his thoughts swam around in his head. The younger boy's mouth opened and then shut immediately. He was regretting his decision to talk to her. Not that Renee was threatening or unapproachable. He didn't want to come to terms with his previous actions or future ones. "You don't have to talk if you don't want to." She stated finally, relieved to see his entire being relaxed.

"I wanted to apologize. It wasn't my story to tell and I hate that I did. I didn't mean to cause you any hurt. I just wanted him to hurt and to stop talking."

"Who? Sirius?" The younger Black shook his head, looking to his lap. His hands met on it as he rubbed them together anxiously. Renee noticed this; she studied his body language. He was very nervous. His chest rises and falls at a faster pace. She could hear the air coming in and out of his nose roughly. Oh, Renee knew what he was feeling all too well. Regulus started slowly caving into himself. "Regulus, it's okay." She got up quickly, settling down next to him. Her hand ran circles on his back. "You're not alone. I'm here. Merlin! I wish I had a chocolate frog for you."

"Chocolate frog?" He asked, broken out of an anxiety attack.

"That's how Remus helps me out of my head."

"It's Wilson. He's not who you think he is." His head turned to her, tears threatening to fall.

"Who is he?"

"I don't know what he told you about himself." She let out a breath and pulled her hand away from him.

"Both his parents are half-bloods. They moved to London recently. He wants to become a Curse Breaker... and there's probably more but I can't seem to think straight." Regulus watched the girl ramble.

"I'm sure all of that is true. Although he found something out during the summer."

✿

Renee couldn't see where she was going, so she ran down the train, pushing past students. It only took a couple of seconds as she leaned over the toilet, for the contents of her stomach to empty. Tears streamed freely down her face when she pushed her back against the door. She slid down it in defeat. Letting the sobs escape her mouth. A Death Eater. No. Not only a Death Eater. His father forced him to be one. But he was fitting in beautifully.

There was a faint knock on the door that pulled Renee from her thoughts. She stood abruptly, wiping the tears off her face. Opening the door, she was taken aback when Regulus was there waiting. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—" He glanced around them before stepping into the bathroom with her. "—I didn't mean to spring this upon you like that. I just wanted to say that I am sorry about telling him about my brother and you. And I don't know why I'm compelled to earn your forgiveness. You don't deserve any of it, Renee." She quickly enveloped the younger boy in a hug, causing him to stumble into the wall.

"I forgive you Regulus. If you ever need anything, and I mean anything. I'm always here." Reg teared up at the sentiment, glad she couldn't see his face.

"We can't be friends Potter. Mother says I'm next." He nuzzled into her shoulder, gripping the girl tighter.

"Our floo is open if you want. We close it at ten though." They both let out a shaky breath before backing away from each other. "For the record, you don't deserve any of it either."

"You shouldn't talk with food in your mouth, it's rude." With that Regulus opened the door and disappeared from her sight. She didn't understand how the mandrake leaf stayed in her mouth the whole time.