The Life and Lies of Cassiopeia Rosier- Regulus Black

.death toll rising.

.honest feelings, and bad timing make the most painful combination.

The next morning Remus Lupin found me at breakfast, much to my surprise.

"Lupin," I greeted, regarding him coldly as not to attract the attention of the large number of Death Eaters surrounding me. Lupin knew not to be too friendly with them around.

"Hello, Rosier. How are you this morning?" He asked politely.

"Let's not exchange false pleasantries Lupin, what do you want?" I replied with an air of superiority.

"Always to the point," he chuckled. I shot him an angry look, but he just winked at me smirking. He was used to my cool demeanor in public and was one of the few people that actually liked me.

"Yes, well I was wondering when the first meeting of the Dueling Club will be this year? It'd be quite nice to practice again. These are dangerous times we live in." He said looking warily at some of the Slytherins that were sitting further down the table. 

Lupin was my Vice President, and honestly was more organized than I was when it came to initiating meetings.

The truth was I hadn't thought much about Dueling Club, as horrid as that was. I had much bigger problems on my mind than a school club, but now that I thought about it, the kids needed this. They needed to learn how to defend themselves.

I looked at Lupin, his eyes looked tired. I wondered when the full moon was.

"I was actually just thinking about the Dueling Club." I lied. Lupin nodded his head eagerly. "I was thinking that Saturday would work rather well."

I could see him doing the calculations in his head, and finally, he said, "Yes, Saturday will work rather well. I will get the word out. Thanks, Rosier." He said, looking significantly happier and more alert.

There were few students who had ever come close to beating me in a duel. Lupin was one of them. Sirius also could give me a run for my money, as he was especially good with combative magic. Hexes, curses, jinxes, he was exceptional. Snape was an honorary mention. He fought nastily, but he never succeeded in beating me. 

The only person who had ever truly bested me before was Regulus, and he was brilliant. He had a combative streak like Sirius, but was smarter and quicker. He seemed to know every opponent he faced so well that it was difficult to surprise him with a spell, even if it was non-verbal. The fight he had beaten me in had been exceptional. It had been so intense, that the Great Hall had been overflowing with students trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening. 

I had drifted off into my thoughts remembering that day, when Lupin-who had gotten a few feet away- stopped and turned around, "Madam Pomfrey wanted me to tell you that she needs your help in the Hospital Wing early tomorrow morning," he said, pulling me from my memory.

I was right then. The full moon was at hand, and I always helped Madam Pomfrey heal Lupin afterward. Not really something that anyone would expect from a Pureblood Slytherin girl on the fast track to becoming a Death Eater. If my parents knew they would want to murder me.

I saw a familiar form walk through the doorway of the great hall and, and instantly collected my things, not willing to be around him. It was too painful. I left the long way, walking completely around the Gryffindor table to avoid him.

I set off toward Herbology. We were doing a recap on Mandrakes. I hated the things enough the first time. I considered taking my earmuffs off just so that I could pass out and avoid the class but sadly, I didn't because I wasn't too keen on letting my wretched partner Trevor Macmillan carry me to the hospital wing.