His Rose | James Potter

Chapter 5

Rosalyn sat at a small, round table in the corner of the library, her textbooks sprawled out in front of her, pages marked with notes and spells. The soft rustle of parchment and the faint smell of aged paper surrounded her, a comforting backdrop to her intense study session for the N.E.W.T.s. She was deep into a complicated section when she felt a familiar presence settle into the chair beside her.

"Sorry I'm late," Regulus Black said, running a hand through his dark hair. His gaze flickered over her notes before settling on her. "How's the studying going?"

Rosalyn smiled, grateful for the distraction. "It's going... slowly. I could use a break, honestly. How's your Transfiguration coming along?"

Regulus grimaced slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching into a reluctant smile. "I could use your help again. I just can't seem to get the hang of that spell."

"Of course," she replied, excited to dive into their study session. They spent the next few minutes poring over the spell, Rosalyn explaining the nuances while Regulus listened intently, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Rosalyn and Regulus have always been friends. Even though Regulus was a year younger, it didn't change their bond through the years. However, he could only talk to her on a few occasions when she was alone. Rosalyn was usually surrounded by Sirius and her friends often. Walburga Black kept an eye on Regulus through her sources to make sure that he didn't talk to Sirius or his friends. Walburga didn't mind Regulus spending time with Rosalyn though.

After a while, Regulus leaned back, satisfaction in his eyes. "Thanks, Rosie. You make it sound so easy."

She blushed slightly at the compliment, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It just takes practice. You'll get it."

Regulus hesitated, then asked, "So, what are your plans for Hogsmeade?"

Rosalyn felt her cheeks heat up. "Um, well... James finally asked me out."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "James? He finally mustered up the courage to ask you out?"

Rosalyn laughed, nodding her head. "James is... special. He's been really sweet."

Regulus's expression softened, a hint of something wistful flickering in his eyes. "I'm glad for you, really. I hope it goes well."

"Thanks, Reg. That means a lot," she replied, her smile genuine. "You and Lily are the only ones who really know how I feel about him. I haven't told anyone else. Not even Sirius."

Regulus nodded, a shadow passing over his face as he heard his brother's name. "Yeah, I get it. I miss him, you know? But I can't... I can't talk to him. Not with our parents watching."

"Maybe one day," Rosalyn offered softly, sensing the weight of his words. She reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "You're doing what you have to. I'll always be here for you, Regulus."

He looked at her, gratitude mixing with a hint of sadness. "Thanks, Rosie. I really appreciate it."

Their eyes met, an unspoken understanding passing between them, one forged in friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of family. As the library clock chimed softly in the background, they returned to their study session, the promise of change lingering in the air around them.