Slytherin had been training non-stop since the Quidditch match in February, and Regulus had been wheedling drinks out of Ludo Bagman for just as long.
Gryffindor had beaten Ravenclaw, meaning the final match would be between Slytherin and their greatest rivals. It had unfolded exactly as Ludo had predicted, and he’d been more invested in Regulus than ever.
The beginning of March had brought a freeze to the school. While many of the team were weary to practice in the bad weather, Regulus and Bagman remained consistent, no matter the conditions. They were dark, silver, and green blurs against a grey sky. He wondered each time if the black dog would reappear–but it never did.
Bagman required all players to attend at least two practice sessions a week. He was determined to make their last match, Regulus’ last match, the perfect spectacle. This hardened version of Bagman commanded the field with a fierce determination, drilling and correcting. It was grueling in the icy wind. There was no dissuading Bagman from the win, or Regulus from the relief he felt at the end of each practice. Ludo knew their last match would guarantee his own safety for the rest of his time at Hogwarts. Yet, it didn’t bother Regulus that he was being used. Regulus had allowed himself to be collected for his mutual interest before.
Their practices were attended by students itching for a chance to watch the teams play. The team enjoyed the morale boost and the performance, while Regulus enjoyed the alcohol Bagman would barter for him at the stands after the team had finished.
After another small practice in the stinging conditions, Regulus couldn’t take his own thoughts anymore. He quickly changed into his robes alone and waited outside the locker room until Bagman reappeared. Regulus snatched the captain away from the route to the Great Hall, pulling him behind the equipment shed. At first, Ludo seemed shocked, then he became rather enthusiastic.
“I’d really fancy getting completely drunk right now,” Regulus said, trying to tempt him despite his lack of charisma. “Any way you can help–” Ludo’s expression changed quickly from a thrilled flush to confusion.
Ludo slightly raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure? The match is getting closer.” Regulus put his hand on the Captain’s shoulder; Bagman’s flushed.
“Please. I’ll be fine.”
After a slight standoff, the pair decided to join their peers for dinner before sneaking off to get drunk. Ludo refused to skip a meal in the peak of his training. Ludo took the lead as they made their way back to the Great Hall. Regulus trailed along, slightly bewildered he’d allowed the detour. The captain had a strange talent for getting exactly what he wanted.
The Entrance Hall was bustling with students as they filed into the Great Hall. Regulus and Ludo headed toward the Slytherin table at the far end of the Hall. As they passed the Ravenclaw table, Regulus was startled to see Pandora missing from her usual spot across from her Slytherin friends. His heart dropped as he spotted her across the table engaged in a familiar and friendly conversation with Xenophilius Lovegood and Julie Farrow herself.
“They’re friends now.”
The words escaped under his breath and out of his control. Regulus blanched, desperately wishing they had just skipped the meal. Bagman had caught the words and noticed his distress. He placed a comforting hand on Regulus’ shoulder. Regulus quickly shook him off.
“You fell out, right? That’s why you were so upset the other day in Hogsmeade?”
Regulus said nothing. Bagman continued in hushed tones. “I wouldn’t say anything of course. Don’t worry about it, Reg. I have a good eye for these things, and I don’t think she could stay mad at you. Unless…Is that… Is Julie why you fell out?”
