Unrequited (Regulus Black)

Chapter 9

"Well hello to you, too."

"Ah!" I yelp, thinking Lilly had been asleep and didn't hear when I snuck in.

"Where the bloody hell were you? It's almost 1 am and you left 4 hours ago!" Lilly says.

"Sorry, Mom," I scoff, hoping she doesn't ask again.

"You know it's not like that. Being out of your house past curfew is dangerous, of course, I worried. You're the last person who I'd want to see get in trouble."

"I just needed to take a walk, clear my head. No one saw me"

"Seriously, that's it? Kaia, you know how dumb that is. There's a difference between having fun and taking stupid risks. Even if someone asked me to help them sneak out, I wouldn't."

"Well, some people would," I scoff, thinking about who helped me when I didn't even know he could, who risked more than just detention to get me out of getting one. "I've really gotta go to sleep, we'll talk tomorrow."

When I close my eyes to try to sleep,  all I can see is the memory of him looking down at me. "I've gotta say, I'm a little impressed. Perfect little Kaia Claire, out almost half an hour after curfew. Now we're even, I kept you out of detention, you keep out of my friendships. Is that the deal?"

"I-is it?" I hear myself stumble. I don't know if it's the fact that I'd been crying or the scene in front of me, but it was for some reason harder to breathe.

"Jeez, are you really that scared of Filch? You sound like someone took the air out of your lungs, it's not that serious." Just then, a flash of light comes over me and my tear-stained face becomes visible for a second. The tone of his voice is softer when he asks, "Why are you out here?"

"Why are you?" I deflect, hoping he didn't see.

"I'll tell you if you tell me."

"Fine. You first."

"Sometimes I follow you. Just to make sure you don't say anything about... you know."

"What the hell? For how-"

"Relax, I only found you about 10 minutes ago, wandering in circles. You go."

"No, no, let's backtrack. How often do you follow me?"

He shrugs. "Don't keep track. I thought it'd be annoying and I'd stop, but you're actually pretty interesting to keep up with. Not in a secret information way, just... an observing way."

"Oh my god," I laugh, regaining my voice. "You like being around me!"

"Wha- no! Don't flatter yourself so much. I just meant that so many people talk to you, it's interesting."

"Ah, so you don't like being around me but you are jealous of me."

"No! You- actually, I don't have time for any more narcissists. Answer my question. What are you doing out here all alone? What happened to all this popularity?"

"Regulus, having people to talk to doesn't mean having people that actually want to spend time with you, talk about your life, understand your struggles, you know? In that case, it's okay to think things over alone."

He gives me a puzzled look before opening his mouth to say something, then closing it and shaking his head. He turns, avoids eye contact, and nearly whispers, "Are you... okay?"

I was taken so off guard that I didn't know how to react. Regulus Black, this evil, emotionless guy who was basically out to get me wants to know how I'm doing. And like the idiot I am, I raise my eyebrow and let out a small laugh. I instantly regret my stupid instinctual action.

I could swear his face turned red before his expression went cold and he turned, muttering, "Forget it, figure out your shit on your own next time how you always act like you can."

He grabs the door, but I block him from opening it. "I'm sorry, that was a bitch move. What does that mean, though? Act like you can?"

"You have no idea what the fuck you're doing. Your grades may be good, but you're just as lost in life as the rest of us. Maybe even more. Let me go."

I wonder now when I'll forget this vision I have of him storming away into the empty hallway, leaving me speechless. What does he think he knows about my life? I'm offended, but at the same time, I know he's right. Plus, he really did save me tonight. I hate to admit it, but I think Regulus may be a better guy than he wants everyone to think... and I laughed in his face for showing some care. Tomorrow Hogsmeade will be open to Hogwarts students, but I honestly don't really care to go out with everyone while feeling so guilty...

By the time Lilly woke me up, I had only gotten a few hours of sleep. I told her to tell the others I was suffering from a bad headache but they should all go have fun. Despite her many protests, I finally convinced Lilly to go enjoy herself and I just needed to rest by myself. After sleeping for a few more hours, I woke up and decided to go to the library. I didn't bother doing my hair as I knew the whole student body would be out at Hogsmeade, so I wouldn't see anyone. After stopping at the empty Great Hall for a late breakfast, I make my way to the library. After entering and hearing voices in the distance, I stop, wondering who else could have stayed behind. As I quietly approach, I can't believe my eyes. Regulus is ushered by his cousin, Bellatrix behind a row of bookshelves.

"No one's here, no one will see us," Bellatrix whispers, "Just be quiet."

Um, ew! I think, repulsed. Still, I can't help but peek over just to see them... looking for a book? Intrigued, I think about how Regulus told me he spies on me from time to time. Payback's a bitch, I thought to myself before ducking under the next row of bookshelves to start listening.