Regulus found himself walking to the dungeons feeling sad for himself. He would regret yelling at his brother like that. But Sirius had to have know he didn’t have a choice. He should’ve known-
His thoughts were interrupted as he sharply turned the corner and bumped into Dolores Umbridge. She had an annoyed look on her face as she stumbled back, dropping her book.
“Watch where you’re going, Black,” she spoke with a sour undertone as she reached down.
“Could say the same to you.” He had tried to reply as flatly as he could. After all, it was her fault. He tried to continue past her, but she stopped him.
“You know, I was just on my way to the library, I could use some company.” Regulus tried to read her, and she seemed almost nervous. He was tired of her, always being wherever he was, unwanted. He was sick of it.
“And what makes you think I’d want to be around a filthy half-blood like you?” He sharply replied, anger rising in his chest.
“There’s much more to me than that,” she winked.
It all clicked for him. Why she was always around. Why she was always bothering him. Why he couldn’t get peace and quiet even in his common room. She was clearly flirting with him and he was surprised she didn’t seem as desperate as she always had. He couldn’t hold back his laugh that slipped out, but then again, he didn’t try.
“HA! Oh, Merlin, is that what you’re on about?” He could feel tears about to erupt from his eyes after laughing so hard. “You seriously think just because you’re a Slytherin you have a chance? You’re just as bad as any other mudblood at this horrid school!”
She immediately looked taken aback, and the sound of footsteps leaving the common room could be heard. He turned to see Barty and Evan making their way towards them.
“Oi, what’s taking you so long, Black? We’ve been waiting on you to come back for ages now!” Barty chirped as he approached. He let out a sudden look of disgust as he saw Dolores over Regulus’s shoulder. “What’re you doing with this scumsucker?” He asked as he turned to face Regulus.
Regulus raised one eyebrow and smirked, changing to a mocking tone. “Well, Umbridge here has asked me to accompany her to the library,” he glanced up at Dolores as she spoke, realizing her face had gone completely red.
“Too bad we beat her to it, eh?” Evan spoke as he grabbed Barty’s shoulder. “C’mon, then, we’ve already been waiting on you all afternoon!”
“Yeah, better beat the marauders to the good tables, those blood traitors have enough entitlement as it is.” Barty was speaking as if he was horribly disgusted, yet smiling as he looked at Evan.
The three began to clamor up the stairs, leaving Dolores at the bottom. Reg glanced back, just as she ducked her head hiding her tears before rushing off towards the common room.