Chapter 2
It was one of Regulus’ night patrols. Lily gave Mary a quite pointed look when she noticed her leave the common room, but as always she didn’t say anything.
She met Regulus down the corridor. The moonlight reflected onto him from the nearby window, making him look quite glowing.
His jet black hair was arranged as always in that stupid way pure bloods seemed to love, but always looked good on Regulus, and he wore the simple Hogwarts attire, the only missing piece being his robe.
“Hi,” he said when he noticed her walking towards him. His voice was soft and his eyes were focused only on her.
That was one of her favourite things about him, the way he was so soft spoken with her. It felt like some sacred part of him he’s been keeping under wraps, and only decided to indulge her in it.
Mary felt her heart thrumming in her chest. It's been a few weeks after her conversation with Remus, and each time she saw Regulus she couldn’t help but wish to tell him her true feelings.
And so, slowly building up the courage (something Mary never needed to do, as she was always so brave and direct, so why was she hesitant now?) she’s decided to tell him.
Now. At this very moment. This time and date. Well, she should probably wait until they’ve actually started walking, and so she only waved and smiled brightly at the Slytherin.
His eyes scanned her face for a moment as she stopped walking and stood right in front of him, before he frowned. “Are you alright?”
“Huh—“ oh, no, is she that obvious?
“Yes,” she squeaked. “Why?”
“You look like you’re about to burst.” He confirmed her fear.
Mary swatted at his arm playfully, a shy smile overtaking her confident one.
Regulus took a second before he began leading the way, his wand lit with a low light.
“Well, what’s it that’s got you rather.. ‘jumpy’?” He prompted after a few minutes of silence.
Silence was unusual with them. Mary would always find something to talk about, being the louder of the both, but now her nerves had her quite suppressed.
Mary cleared her throat, her hand coming up to clamp at one of her curls.
“I.. I’ve wanted to talk to you about something for a while now,” she said, her voice wavering only slightly.
Regulus turned to face her, noticing her nervous behaviour, before he turned to a small broom cupboard at their right.
In the cupboard there were two fifth years, one of them was a Gryffindor girl and the other a Hufflepuff boy.
They’ve had a dishevelled look to them, their shirt’s top buttons unbuttoned and their hair was a mess, but thank Merlin they were both dressed.
Regulus gave them both detention slips, before sending them both to their own common rooms.
After they’ve begun walking again, he’s turned to look at her. He had a casual air to him, one hand tucked in his pocket and the other lighting the way.
“What did you want to talk about, then?” He questioned, and Mary kept staring ahead as she thought to herself. A small part of her hoped he’d not address her wish to talk, or that he’ll forget, but oh well.
She swallowed, trying to get rid of the lump in her throat.
“I’ve been.. developing.. some sort of, eh,” Mary’s hand tugged more firmly at the curl around it. It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t feel the same way, at least she’s being honest. Right?
Honesty is an important factor, and if someone liked Mary she’d like to know, even if she doesn’t reciprocate the emotions! It’s just like a compliment.
She sighed. “I like you, Regulus.”
She could feel his gaze on her, but she kept her gaze stubbornly ahead.
She only stopped walking when she felt a hand clasp around her wrist, and turned to face a wide eyed Regulus.
He was frowning, and his bluish gray eyes were full of confusion.
Mary always liked his eyes. They were arguably his best feature.
“Do you actually?” He rasped, looking at her as though she’d just said the most absurd thing.
“I— forget it,” she pulled at her hand, her cheeks turning pink in embarrassment, but he didn’t let her go.
“Macdonald,” his voice was steady and had a pull to it, and Mary found herself stopping to resist.
“I..” he sighed and shook his head. “Feel the same way.”
Her eyes searched into his. “You.. what?”
“I like you too, Mary.”
The use of her first name was quite surprising, and those four words were all Mary needed to finally relax. The boy she likes, feels the same way!
She didn’t feel as tense anymore, and Regulus seemed to notice this as a grin stretched across his lips.
His hand slipped down from her wrist to her hand, intertwining their fingers before he carried on with the patrol.
Mary knew at that moment they’ll have a lot of talking to do, between themselves and Sirius, but from the way Regulus smiled at her she knew everything will be okay.