Shadows of Darkness

New Year

The Grand Hall of the Crouch estate gleamed with an opulence befitting the New Year's Ball. Flashes of gold and silver twinkled in the candlelight, and the air buzzed with excitement, laughter, and a hint of debauchery. Oakley Crouch stood at the entrance, her heart racing with anticipation, her silhouette framed by the lush greenery of holly and mistletoe. She wore a gown that draped elegantly around her form, shimmering like starlight. Around her finger sparkled a diamond engagement ring—a token of her boyfriend Regulus Black's affection, though it also signals the storm beginning to brew.
As the night unfolded, Oakley mingled with guests, graciously accepting compliments, but every few moments, her gaze drifted to where Regulus stood at the bar, his dark hair tousled, and his emerald eyes alight with playful mischief. He caught her gaze and winked, and her stomach fluttered. His presence was intoxicating, yet she felt the weight of the engagement ring on her finger, reminding her of the expectations they would soon face.
As the laughter rang through the hall, Evan stood animatedly beside Alecto, both delighting in a round of drinks. "You should see how they try to dance!" Evan chuckled, gesturing towards a group of awkwardly swaying sixth-year girls, their giggles merging with the festive music.
"Not all of us can have your grace, Evan!" Alecto shot back, her piercing eyes glinting with mischief. "Yet, I must admit, Oakley does seem to pull it off rather well," she added, turning to Oakley with a smirk.
"It's all about the confidence, darling," Oakley said, flipping her hair and striking a playful pose, eliciting peals of laughter from the friends around her. But just as she began to relax, she felt the familiar warmth of Regulus's hand on her back, his presence grounding her.
"What are you conspiring about?" Regulus teased as he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.
"Just sharing dance tips," she replied, biting her lower lip playfully. "Care to show these Slytherins how it's really done?"
Regulus smiled, and the two moved to the dance floor where they spun around each other, the world fading into a blur of colors and laughter. The music thumped a lively rhythm, and for a moment, nothing else mattered but the two of them.

With each drink, the atmosphere became electric. Alecto and Evan ignited a debate about Wizarding politics, while Barty and Regulus animatedly chatted about the newer spellwork they had been practicing. Yet, all Oakley could focus on was the slight pressure of the ring on her finger, a reminder of her commitment to Regulus, which both thrilled and terrified her.
Feeling playful, she winked at Regulus. "Shall we make this night even more memorable?"
Regulus grinned, the alcohol sparking a daring streak in their eyes. "Lead the way."
With a knowing smile, Oakley took his hand, weaving through groups of revelers toward a quieter corner of the estate. The hall seemed to stretch endlessly, but Oakley trusted her feet would lead her to the cozy nook where she could breathe, feel free.
"Where are you going?" Evan called after them, but they merely giggled, careless in the swirl of the night.
They slipped through a narrow door at the end of a hall, leading to a lavishly decorated bedroom bathed in soft light, the atmosphere reminiscent of a scene from a fairytale. Regulus shut the door behind them, and in an instant, all the noise from the party vanished.
"What do you think?" Oakley grinned, glancing around the room adorned with lavish tapestries and exquisite furnishings.
Regulus stepped closer, his expression shifting from playful to sincere. "It's perfect," he murmured, his voice low.
In an instant, the distance between them closed. The softness in Regulus's eyes ignited a burning passion as he captured her chin with his fingers and leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. It was a kiss that held promises yet to be spoken, a melding of dreams and fears, sweet but electrifying. Oakley melted into him, the world outside the room forgotten.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, searching her eyes.
"Yes. I want this," she breathed, but could feel the weight of the engagement ring now heavier than before.