Chapter 2
Regulus wasn't sure if Slughorn ending the class early was a blessing or a curse.
He had the rest of the day to himself before dinner that night and figured he'd probably end up spending it in the library before Barty and Evan tracked him down, demanding a rundown of his "nerd class" as they so politely called it.
Regulus was slinging his bag over his shoulder, his back turned to Potter in fear of the older boy attempting conversation with him, when Slughorn's voice carried across the room.
"Regulus? Could I see you for a moment?"
He ignored Potter's annoying whistle from behind him as he made his way towards Slughorn's desk at the front of the room. By now, all the 7th years had cleared out, grateful for the extra time this afternoon, leaving just Regulus and the potions professor. The latter was sitting at his desk, adjusting the many pieces of parchment and random objects that were scattered across its surface, when Regulus stopped in front of him.
"Ah, lovely," Slughorn gave Regulus a quick look and smile before shoving most of the parchment to the side. "How are you today, Regulus?"
The boy shrugged and let his hands fall into his pockets. "Alright, Professor."
"Good, good. Now I wanted to make sure you aren't feeling, well, overwhelmed. With the extra course, and all."
Slughorn's hands folded on top of his desk and Regulus arched a brow. "Well, if every class gets cut short, this might become my easiest course of the year."
The professor laughed, the sound filling the empty room in a way that almost compensated for its dark atmosphere. "I can assure you, this will become much more difficult. I plan to have you all brew a potion that should be a revision for the 7th years later this week, but your year has yet to learn its properties. I assume Potter can help you with that."
Regulus blinked in response, though he was internally raging at the thought of Potter teaching him anything.
"Sure, Professor," Regulus replied, his mouth a tight line to keep from audibly groaning.
"But, the good news is, you'll be well ahead of the students in your year. That's always good, right?"
Regulus forced a small smile and nodded. He could only imagine the things Barty would start to call him now.
"Well, I'll let you enjoy your afternoon. You also should be receiving a letter from me in the coming weeks. Though that should come as no surprise to you."
The Slug Club.
Regulus had to force another smile as he thanked the professor and exited the classroom.
Nearly running right into James Potter.
Regulus stumbled back, attempting to find something to say as the older boy grinned down at him.
"Hey, Reg!"
"What are you doing here?" Regulus snapped, stepping to the side to give himself air.
"Thought I'd wait for you. What did old Sluggy want, anyway?"
"None of your concern." Regulus rolled his eyes and began walking away, speeding up when he heard Potter's footsteps behind him.
"As your potions partner, I believe it is my concern."
Regulus scoffed and shook his head. "We are not partners."
"Pretty sure we are..."
"We're not. And stop following me!" Regulus turned on his heel to find Potter stopped in his tracks. It was the first time Regulus got a good look at him this year. His hair had grown out a bit, pieces of it falling in front of his eyes and curling around his neck. Like past years, he'd come back looking fitter, as if he'd spent his entire summer practicing for the upcoming Quidditch matches.
Not that it'd mattered last year, Regulus thought with a smirk. Slytherin had destroyed Gryffindor in the championship game.
"Don't you have Quidditch to practice or something? Unless you're intent on losing terribly again."
Potter chuckled at the insult and took a step towards the other boy. "Just you wait, Reggie. Gryffindor will regain the title."
"Even without Sirius?"
Potter looked surprised at the mention of his friend. Regulus didn't have to be his brother to know that Sirius got kicked off the Quidditch team after a particular crude prank. That much was common knowledge, and Sirius had sulked publicly for weeks after the fact. What he didn't know was what the prank had been, though he hadn't cared much after Gryffindor began losing their matches and the subsequent championship.
"Don't call me 'Reggie'," Regulus added with a slight raise of his chin. "And stop following me."
He turned and continued down the corridor, his footsteps the only sound as he smiled to himself.
I won.