The last full day of term Regulus planned to walk Pandora along the edge of the Forbidden Forest as the rest of their friends attended Slughorn’s luncheon. They rose early to meet in the fairly empty Great Hall before breakfast began. Darren and Victoria had been enlisted to help them craft letters to send ahead in lieu of their attendance.
Using his poor health as an excuse had been the brilliant idea of Victoria. That morning the Slytherins in Slug Club had eaten at the almost empty Ravenclaw table, Evan and Edmund avoided eye contact with them across the Hall as they ate. Regulus spent fifteen minutes trying to distract them by explaining to the group that the range of motion in his arms had been limited and now every time he lifted them above his head he couldn’t feel his toes.
“That’s not right mate,” said Darren.
“It's not as if I’m in pain,” Regulus lied. His friends didn’t need to know that. The pain could be managed. Regulus felt like he deserved it. “Just rather exhausted, I can’t handle being trapped in that crowd, they think they’re so everything they say is so clever and exclusive
“It's not as if I’m in pain,” Regulus lied. His friends didn’t need to know that. The pain could be managed. Regulus felt like he deserved it. “Just rather exhausted, I can’t handle being trapped in that crowd.” Regulus held himself back from saying what he truly meant. That he couldn’t stand being surrounded by Witches and Wizards who felt they were so exclusive and far cleverer than the rest. Who leeched onto him, sensed his intellect and importance and desired his attention. That it was tiring concealing himself, maintaining his confident aloof facade. He knew he would sound ungrateful or petulant.
“Well, I’m sure Slughorn doesn't want to see you in any stress,” Pandora interjected lightly, flourishing a piece of parchment and a quill. “I’ll make sure Regulus goes to see Madam Pomfry– so we have a legitimate excuse. I’m writing N.E.W.T.s shook my constitution and I must spend the day in fresh air to realign myself.” Pandora had a way of charming people with her capriciousness. If she wrote she believed there were healing powers in nature, she would make you believe it too.
“I’ll be sure to mention my deep appreciation of his guidance, he’ll like that,” Regulus said as he wrote.
Professor Slughorn,
Thank you for your invitation, I sincerely appreciate it. In an abundance of caution for my own health, I have decided not to attend the luncheon and hope you can understand. I have greatly appreciated your guidance and support as my Head of House. I can only hope one day to be invited back as an alumni to greet my proud professor.
Very best,
Regulus Arcturus Black
Breakfast began and Pandora removed herself to sit with her House. Regulus remained with the Slytherin table, letter in hand. He glanced across the hall, following Pandora’s white waves, wandering unpredictably around the table. Pandora finally sat between Xenophillius Lovegood who smiled brightly, and the obnoxious fourth year Lockheart, who was eyeing a dark haired fifth year boy across the table smarmily.
Pandora spotted Regulus, lifting her hand for a tiny wave. He held up his letter impatiently, his face a haughty mask. Pandora shook her head ever so slightly and continued eating. She didn’t want to miss a meal, she claimed not eating made her cranky. Regulus felt that this was a rather obvious attempt to get him to eat. He rolled his eyes and moved his eggs around on his plate.
Regulus had begun tearing his bacon to small pieces when dozens of owls swooped overhead. A flurry of feathers sending last minute instructions, congratulations, and money for the trip home. Regulus was surprised to see Anubis flying proudly through the furor. Anubis landed regally on Regulus’ outstretched arm. He only winced slightly from the movement.
