Beyond House And Blood

3 Christmas

     As the winter holidays approached, the atmosphere in the castle became charged with excitement and anticipation. Evelyn often overheard her brother and his friends planning pranks and holiday mischief, and while she enjoyed their company, she found herself seeking quieter moments. She began spending more time in the library, knowing Regulus often studied there as well.

     One snowy evening, they found themselves alone at the corner table, books piled high between them. Evelyn was revising Charms, but her attention drifted to Regulus, who was poring over a thick tome on magical history. She noticed the tension in his expression, the way he clenched his jaw as he read.

     "Something wrong?" she asked softly. Regulus looked up, startled. He hesitated before replying, his gaze shifting back to his book. "Just... family stuff," he muttered, closing the book. "It's complicated." Evelyn leaned forward, her eyes warm with understanding. "I get it. My family isn't exactly... normal either. James has always been the star, and sometimes it's hard to step out of his shadow."

     Regulus gave a bitter laugh. "At least James doesn't treat you like a disappointment. Sirius-" He paused, struggling to find the right words. "It's like he's determined to be as different from our family as possible, and everyone expects me to be the opposite." Evelyn reached across the table, resting a comforting hand on his. "I think you're braver than you realize, Regulus. Being yourself, even when it's hard, takes a lot of courage."

     He looked at her, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. No one had ever spoken to him like that before, without judgment or expectation. For the first time, he felt that maybe he didn't have to live up to the rigid standards set by his family-that he could be both a Black and his own person.

     One December night, Hogwarts was blanketed in a fresh layer of snow, transforming the grounds into a glistering winter wonderland. The Gryffindors and Ravenclaws were bundled up in their common rooms, but Evelyn, feeling restless, decided to sneak out to enjoy the snow on her own. As she made her way outside, she noticed a lone figure standing by the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

     It was Regulus Black. She approached quietly, watching as he threw a snowball at a tree, hitting it dead center. Sensing her presence, he turned around, a surprised smile creeping onto his face. "Couldn't resist the snow, could you?" she teased, picking up a handful and packing it into a snowball. Regulus chuckled, adjusting his scarf. "I didn't take you for the rule-breaking type, Potter."

     "Maybe you didn't know me as well as you think," she shot back playfully, hurling the snowball at him. It hit him square in the shoulder, and for a moment, he looked at her in shock before breaking into a grin. He quickly retaliated, and soon they were locked in an all-out snowball fight, laughter echoing across the grounds.

     The rivalry was forgotten in that moment, replaced by the pure joy of being young and free in the snowy night. By the time they called a truce, both were covered in sniw, cheeks flushed and breaths visible in the cold air. "Don't tell anyone, but that was.... fun," Regulus admitted, brushing snow off his robes. "My lips are sealed," Evelyn replied, still smiling. They walked back to the castle together, each feeling lighter than they had in a long time.

     As the Christmas break approached, students began packing their trunks and saying their goodbyes. Evelyn would be heading home with James, and she was looking forward to spending time with her family, but a part of her was sad to be leaving Hogwarts-and, she realized, ro be leaving Regulus. Despite the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and the tensions surrounding their families, she had found an unexpected friendship in him.

     Before they parted, she found him in the courtyard, watching the snow fall silently. "Heading home soon?" she asked, coming to stand beside him. He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. I'll be back at Grimmauld Place with my parents... and Sirius." Evelyn bit her lip, sensing the tension he felt about returning home. "Just... remember what I said, alright? About being yourself."

     Regulus met her gaze, a mixture of sadness and gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Evelyn. For... everything." She gave him a warm smile. "Anytime, Regulus. We'll be back here before you know it." As they walked back to the common rooms for the last time that term, both knew that this was just the beginning of something special. Though they were from different worlds, they had found a connection that went beyond family names and house rivalries. And as the snow continued to fall over Hogwarts, Evelyn and Regulus walked in silence, each quietly hopeful for what the future would hold.

A/N: Sorry for the late post. Do you have some suggestion? Should I write it by Evelyn's POV or should I stay to write like this. This part are shorter than the other, sorry for that. Please do share your thoughts.