quills and intrigues -- regulus black

chapter one, revelations

Her mother had always said 'Que sera sera', which translated to whatever will be, will be. There was no changing fate, no altering the course of life, and Sierra Serra grew up with that firm belief. After all her parents had named her that way, not only because of their unfortunate sense of humor but also as a reminder.

When she got up this morning and her mother's words echoed in her head, she dismissed it with a shrug, as that was not unusual, but maybe she should have taken it as a sign.

This day would take her life in a different direction, but of course as she got up to brush her teeth she wasn't aware of that.

Humming 'My love, my life' by ABBA while brushing her teeth, Sierra cast a look at her roommates.

Applying makeup next to her was Kieu Chang, her dorm-mate and one of her best friends. Kieu was an intelligent girl, who loved academics. She was always chasing the highest grades.

Pandora Ashville, Sierra's other dorm-mate and best friend, was just as intelligent as Kieu but in a different way. Pandora was curious — incredibly curious — about the world and its magic. She could often be found trying to make her own spells. So far to no avail, but Sierra was convinced Pandora would soon master her own creations.

Once Sierra had changed into her school uniform and combed her hair, the trio walked to the Great Hall.

As soon as they had discovered their friends Sierra settled down next to Kingsley. He was her greatest friend. He was quite calm, but he had the wit and that air of authority around him that no one picked up fights with him. He wanted to work in the Ministry of Magic later on and Sierra knew he would do it. If Kingsley Davis had a goal he'd achieve it, that was that.

Across from the duo sat Pandora and Kieu, between them Xenophilius Lovegood. He was the last member of their clique. With his shoulder-length white hair and his egg-yolk yellow shoes he was sure to leave an impression. He was eccentric and a great match for Pandora concerning curiousity. Sierra might have pegged him as naive, because he believed in so many creatures that no one else thought existed, but Sierra knew better than to question him about his beliefs. Not only was the World of Wizardry complex and unexplored, but she also didn't fancy a lecture from her friend. That was why Sierra often argued that everything was possible.

As per usual, the owl post came flying in only a few minutes later.

"Why is everybody staring at me and whispering?" Sierra questioned suspiciously, confusion showing on her face when she saw the pitying look Kieu gave her.

Without a comment Kingsley passed her a newspaper that she hadn't seen before. It was titled 'The Hogwarts Inside' and was apparently the first edition, judging by the #1 on the left top corner.

The headline said 'Black heir in a secret relationship with muggleborn witch?' and Sierra felt her heart drop at the photograph, which showed Regulus and her talking in hushed voices in the Charms corridor. The photograph was from the day prior, where Sierra and Regulus had spoken after curfew.

"How long will this go on, Reg?" she asked softly, "Will you only love me in secret, hiding away from others?"

Regulus sighed, caressing her cheek with his left hand.

"It's not that easy, Sierra, you know that. I love you."

"I don't doubt that," the Serra girl responded, "but I wish we didn't have to keep our relationship a secret."

"Me too," Regulus muttered dismayed, "And we don't have to, not forever."

"I'm holding you to that." Sierra sent her boyfriend a small smile. "For the record I love you, too."