When We Fell In Love

Chapter 22: Easter

He soon regretted those murky moments in the Room of Requirement, but for all the wrong reasons. It had been a slip, a colossal mistake, something that should never have happened, now haunting his waking hours and filling his dreams. He needed to stop thinking about James, get a grip of his mind, and resist those devilish temptations.

In the days and weeks following that fateful afternoon, Regulus doubled his efforts to be a worthy heir to the Black family. Sirius was meant to be the true heir, but Regulus knew Walburga and Orion were so close to disowning him, making Regulus the rightful successor. His betrothal was proof of this.

He spent all his free time surrounded by the vilest of Slytherins, sons of his family's closest friends, hurling insults and casting spells at anyone not on their level. He worshipped the ground Pandora walked on, even though, in a moment of weakness, he had confessed to her that it was all a façade. She had replied that she too had no real interest in their romantic relationship, but that the act was beneficial for them both. Theirs was an equal agreement. In public, they played the part of a lovesick couple — Regulus was certain Walburga and Orion had their spies within the school — but secretly, they fostered a genuine, though platonic, friendship.

Regulus felt true affection for Pandora, which she clearly returned. Physical contact with her was one of the rare occasions he did not shrink away from it. Despite James' piercing gaze seeking him out at every opportunity, Regulus always avoided his eyes. He knew that if his eyes met James', his will would falter, and he would give in to every buried desire.

February and March passed in a confused blur of emotions, contrasting feelings that tore Regulus' poor mind to shreds. By the time April arrived, announcing the Easter holiday, his dark circles had deepened, and his sleep was always disrupted by disturbing dreams filled with forbidden kisses and ensuing punishments, accompanied by his mother's menacing voice.

Barty and Evan continued their pleasure-filled escapades, no longer bothering to hide from Regulus, who tried to stay out of their dormitory as much as possible — the things his ears had had to endure would last him a lifetime. Louis, always distracted by that curly-haired Styles, was the last person he would ask for advice on dealing with family. He could have confided in Remus, but he was too close to Sirius for Regulus to truly trust him. The only person who remained, who could truly understand his situation, was Pandora.

"Pandora," Regulus said, kissing her knuckles gently.

"Reggie!" Pandora was the only person he had ever allowed to use that awful nickname.

Regulus offered her his arm, which she took gracefully, and they started walking toward the lake's edge. The sunlight warmed his skin, and Regulus took a deep breath.

"Is everything all right?" Pandora asked, probably sensing his unrest.

"You're too perceptive for my liking," Regulus smiled. "I'm worried about the Easter break."

"What worries you?"

"My family. You know them, you know how they can be... I'm afraid of provoking some negative reaction from my parents. I want to make them proud."

"You're an excellent wizard, Reg, and I know you can lock away anything that bothers you in a hidden corner of your mind, where no one can pry," Pandora replied, tapping her finger against his temple.

"I've always been able to, but now... I'm not so sure I can."

Pandora stroked his arm gently, comforting him.

"I know you don't want to tell me who's put you in this state, and I won't push. But you must forget this person, you have to erase them completely from your mind. It's for your own safety, Reg."