First Life: The Wizard Prince & The Half-Blood Prince | Covert Romance

S: 13 Senseless

Severus Snape

I have to work a shift with Sirius, and seeing the marauders is the same as having a shift with Sirius. Since Wulfric got expelled for that incident, we're not sure if he's going to return to Hogwarts for his sixth year. Avery, Evan, and Regulus met with me this evening at the three broomsticks for a butterbeer. It was hot and dewy today, so I tied my hair back, but since I've been working for 4 hours just spinning around mixing drinks and shaking them, I must look like a mess.

Regulus took out a hairclip and leaned over and clipped the hair strands that were falling out to the side.

There was a lot of noise as the Wizard Prince's group arrived. They're sitting in the bar's corner, as I can see. I have no idea what they're talking about, but they're all lively, and boisterous, and tonight's laughter—which I used to detest—doesn't seem all that annoying.

"But then, like I swear it, there was a story like it," Peter exclaims.

"Why? Are you in love with someone?" James teased him.

"I just might be," Peter says softly.

I had to force myself to ignore them, reminding myself that James is the group's embodiment and that he can never be more than the person he presents himself as.

    A swine.

For the rest of the evening, I concentrated on serving my friends; Avery and Evan departed as dusk was falling. Regulus would not go with them, despite my encouragement to the contrary.

Shortly after, the marauders depart, and I breathe a sigh of relief when I realize that their table is deserted and devoid of Sirius as well.

"They can't do anything to you," Regulus says,

I give him a soft smile, as I wipe down the tables.

"Let me help you," Regulus offers, leaning over to place his hand on top of mine.

"Oh, sorry," Regulus whispers,

I slide my hand under his as his hand lands on top of the white rag.

"You don't have to," I say,

"Oh, but I want to," Regulus says with a smile.

I'm sinking in the murky pond I've dug myself for Lily's friendship. If Lily doesn't want to be my friend, then maybe I don't deserve one, not even their kindness, which is why I am immediately drawn to this same generosity that astounds me to ease the agony.

I wait silently for Regulus to go so that I can close up, without saying anything. But instead, he starts talking incoherently to me about my friendship with Lucius Malfoy and how he always keeps me close to him at Death Eater gatherings. His voice is animated as he explains that there is clearly a connection between us. Since Lucius took me under his wing, I will admit that I used to follow and idolize him.

"He's just so amazing," I say quickly,

"Well, I can be amazing," Regulus chides,

My gaze trails at him as I turn the faucet on and splash water at him.

"You know there's a spell for that?" Regulus says,

"I don't have the energy to conjure up a water spell to make you wet!" I exclaimed,

Regulus lets out a laugh.

"I'm already drenched,"

Our friendship provides me with boundless, unadulterated affection, yet I don't deserve friendship. I shouldn't even try to be a friend because I don't even know how to be one.