𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 [regulus black]

“I have to go, patrol." Vivien explained as she closed her books to leave the dorm.

“Have fun,” Scarlett mumbled, her eyes still on her homework and her brows furrowed.

Ella laughed, looking at her, before turning toward Vivien. “Black, again?”

"Yeah."

“You and Black seem to get along well now.” Ava commented.

“Honestly, he’s kind of unpredictable.” She replied. “The other day,” she added, “he apologized for acting rude.”

“Merlin, I didn’t know he had it in him.” Ava chuckled.

“Right,” she laughed. “Anyway, I should go, before I get late again. She picked up the library book from the other day and headed out for the patrol to meet Black.

“Here.” She handed Regulus the library book as she approached him. “You wanted it, right?”

He took the book, surprised. “You finished it already?”

She nodded as they headed down the corridor, beginning the patrol.

“Why did you need it, anyway? This isn’t a part of our History of Magic syllabus.”

She shrugged. “I just like reading. Plus, history is more interesting when it isn’t for class.”

“True, “ He said, then gave her a surprised look. “I didn’t take you as someone who read history for pleasure. “

“Well, it’s not like you know a lot about me, Black,” she grinned at him. “Let alone what I do for pleasure. “

“I could always find out,” he smirked.

Vivien chuckled. Apparently, the brooding, mysterious Regulus Black had a sense of humor- rather unexpected.

“Y’know, if we didn’t hate each other, I feel like we would have been good friends.”

“Why do we hate each other, anyway?” He said.

“Probably because you’re a pureblood and I’m a mudblood? And-”

He flinched at the word. “I’m sorry about calling you that before. I don’t even know why I hated you back then. It’s not like you ever did anything to me. I was brainwashed into believing that since my childhood. And now - well, it’s not like I can go against my family.” He glanced at her.

“Hated?” Vivien smirked. “Why the past tense? So do you not hate me anymore? Seems like you’ve already started to fall for me.”

Regulus rolled his eyes. “Is that the only part you heard, Evans? Honestly, it seems like you’re the one falling.” He grinned.

“In your dreams, Black.” She laughed, her eyes falling to his mouth, following the movement as he grinned. “You look good when you smile,” she commented. “You should do it more often.”

“Are you saying I don’t look good otherwise?” He said, feigning offence.

“What? No- you do, just- “ She glanced at him, just to find him smirking at her response. “Oh, shut up.”

As they reached the astronomy tower, reaching the end of their patrol for the night,

“Do you want to stay for a while?” He asked, seeming hesitant. Probably because it did not seem like such a good idea. Being out after hours, after their duty was finished, didn’t seem like a good idea—especially on the highest tower, with someone she didn’t even trust. Or did she? She wasn’t yet sure. But maybe- just maybe, Regulus Black wasn’t as bad as he seemed.

“Sure,” she smiled, and they headed up, climbing the spiral stairs. The door creaked open, leading onto the moonlit floor of the tower. There was a chill in the air, since winter was arriving and a slight breeze blew through the air. Regulus’ eyes followed her as she came up to stand beside him at the railing.

“About what you said before- that you can’t go against your family, why not? I mean- “ she hesitated. “- Sirius did it?”

Vivien glanced at him. He seemed even paler under the moonlight, looking up at the sky. His black locks framed his forehead and her eyes traced down his face to his neck, and - wait - what on earth was she doing. Hastily glancing away from him, she looked back towards the sky.

As expected, he tensed at the mention of his brother, his fists clenching turning his knuckles white. “It’s not that easy, Evans. I on’t exactly have anywhere to run off to . Besides, since Sirius left, I have to bear all the responsibility, and it’s not like I can just abandon my parents. I’m the only hope they have, however wrong it may be.”

“Wait so, you’re telling you don’t believe in the whole ‘blood prejudice’ system, but you’ll pretend to just to keep your parents happy? No matter what it takes?”

“Well-“ he hesitated, “it sounds ridiculous when you put it like that. But yes, basically.”

“Yeah, that’s complicated,” she sighed. “No offence, but your family’s kind of messed up.”

“You’re telling me,” he chuckled, but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

A/N : Sorry for the late update, my life’s just been a mess. Also thank  you for adding the story to your library, I appreciate it! Comment if you liked the chapter.

-V. <3