With new places come new faces
Reina always ate lunch alone. Not because she particularly enjoyed solitude, but because it was easier that way—easier to avoid the questions, the prying eyes, and the whispers. Ever since Sirius had left, people had seemed curious about her family situation, and she wasn’t in the mood to explain herself. Besides, after the exhausting mental tug-of-war that came with thinking about her brother all day, she needed the peace and quiet.
But today, as she made her way across the cafeteria, tray in hand, something caught her attention. A pair of twins—almost impossibly pale with shockingly blonde hair—were sitting at a table near the windows, their heads bent together in conversation. She recognized them from a couple of her classes: Pandora and Evan Rosier. The two were always together, and though they seemed a little odd, they radiated a quiet sort of charm that had piqued her curiosity more than once.
As if sensing her gaze, the boy—Evan—looked up and met her eyes. He gave her a grin, one that seemed both cheeky and warm, before nudging his sister. Pandora glanced up as well, her large, glassy blue eyes blinking slowly, as though she were seeing Reina for the first time, even though they’d shared a history class all semester.
“Reina, right?” Evan called out, waving her over with an exaggerated flourish. “Come sit with us!”
Reina hesitated. She wasn’t used to invitations like this, but something about Evan’s grin and Pandora’s serene smile made her feel unexpectedly welcome. After a moment, she found herself walking over to their table, her usual nervousness flaring up.
Pandora was the first to speak once Reina sat down. “You have beautiful grey eyes,” she said dreamily, as though she were commenting on the weather. “Like clouds before a storm.”
Reina blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment. “Um, thanks.”
Oddly the compliment seemed the effect her more than she thought it would. She couldn't have helped but notice a definite lack of Asian students in Hogwarts and she had definitely heard some not-so friendly whispers already.
Pandora’s hair, almost white blonde, cascaded down her back like a waterfall, contrasting sharply with her porcelain skin. She wore a loose, flowing dress in a soft pastel color, giving her an ethereal, otherworldly look. Her movements were slow and deliberate, as if she existed in a world that spun just a little slower than everyone else’s.
Evan, on the other hand, had an air of mischief about him. Though his pale skin and platinum blonde hair matched Pandora’s, his energy was completely different—cheeky, sharp, and quick. He was dressed in a well-tailored black blazer over a plain white shirt, his tie loosened slightly. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, and flashed Reina another grin.
“Pandora’s right, you know. Your eyes are stunning,” he said, winking at her. “I can see why you’re always so mysterious, hiding behind them.”
Reina rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help but smile. “I’m not mysterious.”
“Not yet,” Evan teased, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “But give it time. You’re sitting with us now. That’s bound to raise a few eyebrows.”
Reina laughed softly, feeling some of her initial tension melt away. There was something about Evan’s easygoing nature that made it hard to stay nervous for long.
“So,” Pandora chimed in, her voice light and airy, “how do you like Hogwarts High so far? It’s a bit… loud, isn’t it?” Pandora is still staring at Reina like she's a damn Rubix cube but at least she seems to understand the loudness is not Reina's specialty.
Reina nodded, taking a sip of her drink. “Yeah, it’s definitely louder than I expected. But it’s okay. Still getting used to things, I guess.”
“I think you’ll fit right in,” Evan said, popping a grape into his mouth. “Especially with us.”
Before Reina could respond, a loud voice interrupted them. “Oi, Rosier! Move over, I need a seat.”
The three of them turned to see a tall boy with dark, wavy hair and an easy swagger heading toward their table. His skin was a warm olive tone, and his sharp Italian features were paired with bright, piercing blue eyes that seemed to glitter with mischief. He wore a dark leather jacket over his uniform, clearly defying the school’s dress code without a care in the world.
“Barty Crouch Jr.,” Evan introduced casually, as the boy flopped down into the chair next to Reina without a second thought. “He’s mostly harmless.”
“Mostly,” Barty repeated, winking at Reina as he threw an arm around Evan’s shoulders, pulling him closer with a familiar ease. “But don’t worry, Black. I don’t bite. Hard.”
Reina felt her face heat up again, though she couldn’t help but laugh at his boldness. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Barty grinned, his confidence radiating from him like heat from the sun. “So, you’re the one Sirius has been going on about, huh?”
Reina’s stomach twisted at the mention of her brother, but she kept her expression neutral. “He’s mentioned me?”
“Oh yeah,” Barty said, leaning back and crossing his arms, keeping one arm draped casually over Evan’s shoulder. “Mostly in the context of how much of a pain in the ass your parents are. I've heard a few 'annoying sister's comments But hey, you’ve got that ‘cool sister’ vibe, and Sirius is an ass. So you’re good in my book.”
Evan chuckled, shaking his head, though he leaned into Barty’s side with an amused smile. “Subtle as ever, Barty.”
“What can I say?” Barty replied, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. “I’m an honest guy.”
Pandora tilted her head, her pale blonde hair sliding over her shoulder. “Barty’s honesty is… an acquired taste,” she said softly, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice.
“I’m the best kind of taste,” Barty shot back, waggling his eyebrows, earning another round of laughter from the group.
As the conversation flowed, Reina found herself relaxing more and more. She had never expected to feel so at ease with this odd group, but there was something about their dynamic that drew her in.
Evan was charming and playful, always quick with a joke or a cheeky comment. Pandora, though strange and dreamy, was kind and soft-spoken, with an almost calming presence. And Barty—well, Barty was loud, confident, and absolutely shameless, but in a way that was infectious rather than overbearing.
“So, what’s your deal, Black?” Barty asked after a while, turning to Reina with a curious gleam in his eye. “You always this quiet, or are we just that intimidating?”
Reina shrugged, smiling slightly. “I’m just… not used to this. Sitting with people. It’s been a while.” what she doesn't say is yes. She is always this quiet, because no one wants a shy loner at least not in her experience.
“Ah,” Barty said, nodding sagely. “You’re one of those ‘lone wolf’ types. Mysterious, brooding, with a tragic backstory. I like it.”
Evan snorted. “She’s not tragic, Barty. She’s just smarter than the rest of us.”
“Exactly,” Barty agreed, slapping the table with a grin. “She’s the brains, I’m the charm, and Evan’s… well, Evan’s just here for the looks.”
Evan smirked, clearly used to Barty’s banter, and nudged him with his elbow. “Don’t forget, I’m also here to keep you out of trouble.”
Pandora smiled serenely, her gaze drifting toward the window. “We’re all quite a pair, aren’t we? A mismatched set of puzzle pieces.”
Reina glanced around the table, at the odd collection of people who had somehow made her feel more welcome in one lunch period than she had in weeks. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging settle in her chest.
“Yeah,” she said quietly, more to herself than anyone else. “I guess you are.”
"We are." Pandora said staring at Reina intently.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Evan stood up and stretched, flashing Reina another cheeky grin. “See you around, Black. Don’t be a stranger.”
Pandora gave her a soft wave, and Barty gave Evan a quick, affectionate peck on the cheek before slapping Reina on the back—perhaps a bit too hard—but with a grin that made it clear it was meant affectionately.
Reina watched them go, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days. For the first time since the start of the school year, she felt like maybe she wasn’t so alone after all.
Across the cafeteria Sirius Black stares at his sister for the first time in a while and isn't quite sure what to think.