Love, Aurélie | REGULUS BLACK

Chapter Thirty-Nine

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[CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE]
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"ARE YOU NOT COLD?" asked Odette as she approached Regulus. She had not coincidentally bumped into him. She had spotted him from inside through one of the windows and hurried out of the castle to catch up with him. There wasn't much catching up to do though, because Regulus hadn't moved a muscle.

Regulus tore his eyes away from his book and looked back at her. Odette bite the inside of her cheek.

"I'm wearing a coat, aren't I?"

"Well, yes, but wouldn't it be better to be inside?"

"There's too much distractions inside," said Regulus as he closed his book, "Do you need something, Odette?"

"No, nothing," said Odette, "Everyone seems to be busy today, though."

"Studying won't hurt you."

"Is that what you're doing right now?"

"You could say that."

Regulus looked away and Odette attempted to warm up her nose. She stared at Regulus's back for a moment before a thought occurred to her.

"Reg. . .?" she said. Regulus turned back to her. "Would you like to see something?"

He rose an eyebrow, "Depends. What is it?"

"I can't tell you."

Regulus did not respond. He spent a long minute staring at her. Eventually, Odette smiled and got closer. She grabbed one of his hands with both of hers. He was not wearing gloves, so they no longer held the warmth they once did. However, she was certain hers were colder.

"Come on! It won't hurt to take at least one peek," pleaded Odette.

Regulus continued to stare before he sighed and nodded, "Fine. Lead the way."

He grabbed onto Odette's hand, which caused her to smile. Despite both of them being cold, she was warm. Odette turned around and, without letting go of his hand, she pulled him along.

Regulus had not been wrong before; there really was a lot of distractions inside. Odette and Regulus tried to get to their location with little to no interference. Odette refused to say a word about where she was leading him. Fortunately for her, Regulus wasn't the type to pester her. However, she did wish he was a bit more talkative. It would have made the conversation part easier.

"We're nearing the end of the year and you're still not used to the stairs?" said Regulus. His voice was laced with amusement as Odette kneeled over to catch her breath.

"Leave me alone. I bet it took you ages."

"Not at all."

"You had practice before then."

"And you haven't?"

When she didn't respond, he continued, "I find it hard to believe you've never climbed stairs before Hogwarts."

"I have," said Odette, "Just — just, come on!"