𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ─── regulus black

vi. letters galore

( chapter vi )
─── 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞

𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐋𝐔𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐑 while straightening his tie. Perfection, his mother would say; he was the perfect pureblood with the perfect appearance. He studied the person staring back at him, unrecognizable with a hollow face, puffy eyes, skin so translucent to the point he was see-through. He slipped his slender fingers around the wand in his robes and placed a charm on himself. His eyes were sparkling, his hair groomed, his skin glowing. Now, he was greeted with the sight of perfection. 

There was no trace of fear or worry evident in Regulus's behavior, those around him would have claimed. He arrogantly strutted down the stairs with his book bag in hand and robes billowing in his wake. His cold and calculating gaze found a group of girls staring at him in the Slytherin common room. He cocked an eyebrow at them, unimpressed by their lack of subtlety, and walked over to Avery, who was sitting in a velvet green armchair and hastily completing his Defense essay.

"Ready to head to breakfast, Avery?" Regulus asked in way of greeting. 

"One last sentence, Black," Avery muttered in response, and with the last scratch of a quill, he stuffed his materials in his bag. 

"How come it's the beginning of the year, yet you're already behind on your work?" Regulus asked teasingly, bumping his shoulder into Avery's as they walked to the Great Hall.

"Oh shut up, not everyone can be as perfect as you, Mr. Black," Avery responded in what seemed to be a spiteful tone, but Regulus could tell that the words did not truly hold any malice. 

As the two passed a fourth year muggleborn, Avery purposefully rammed his elbow into the boy's side. The Hufflepuff scoffed, and it was apparent that he would have retaliated if it were not for his friend dragging him away while muttering about how it was not smart to confront the evil Slytherins for something so miniscule. Avery guffawed after seeing the boy's scowl, and Regulus held back a snort. 

As usual, their entrance to the Great Hall attracted the stares of many students; some, such as the Slytherins, were admiring, in awe, or jealous; others were fearful, and very few showed their disgust outwardly. Regulus surveyed the hall, meeting familiar chocolate colored eyes. He tore his gaze away from the dark-haired girl and settled himself down near Avery, Talkalot, and Selwyn. 

"Ugh, Double Potions," complained Talkalot. "Why did I even take Advanced Potions? I bloody hate that class. What do you lot have?" She asked Regulus and Avery. 

"Transfiguration, then I have Divination when Black has Ancient Runes," Avery responded. Regulus watched as Avery smirked at Talkalot and tousled his blonde locks, taking Regulus back to their conversation regarding Avery's, and Regulus's lack of, feelings for Talkalot. However, Regulus suppressed a laugh as Avery noticed that Lucinda only had eyes for the bacon on her plate. This earned Regulus a jab in his side before Avery shoved his mouth full of pancakes. Today was shaping up to be an alright day, Regulus thought. 

He had spoken too soon. 

As Regulus piled toast onto his plate, the sound of hooting filled the Great Hall, prompting students to look around in search of familiar owls. Regulus, who had not been expecting anything, was surprised when he spotted an elegant black owl that belonged to none other than Rodolphus Lestrange. But he had not been expecting any mail from Rodolphus or Bellatrix. 

The letter fell into his lap, but to his great relief, no one had noticed. This was due to the letter Avery received. Regulus watched as his friend carefully tore the wax seal and opened the letter. Selwyn cocked an eyebrow at Regulus, silently asking him what he knew, and Regulus responded with a slightly pointed look. Regulus watched Avery's eyes skim across the rather short letter.