The beginning of Regulus's crusade against the busybodies of Hogwarts
It was a typical night down here at the dungeon. The Slytherin common room was filled with all sorts of people. There were some who conversed leisurely, some who played a game of chess, some studious individual who read, and some group that gathered just to make a show of their unity and exclusivity.
The duelling club was such a group.
Their talks, often revolved around potental candidates, bullying targets, newly found curses, and their previous duels, had approached an entirely new direction today.
"Is it normal for siblings to hug that long?"
The question was spoken by Mulciber, who noticed the two Crouches hugging each other.
Many other eyes then started to notice them. They observed this peculiarity as if it was some weird animal in a circus, though one fierce glare from the younger Crouch made them all drop their stare.
Pyrites shrugged, "they're always close. Madeline also kisses his cheeks often."
Yaxley snickered and regarded the Carrow twins, "can you imagine doing that?"
Both Amycus and Alecto's face twisted in disgust. No other answer was needed.
"They're an odd pair of siblings for sure," someone said, which made three young boys felt offended in the sibling's place.
"They're not odd," Evan defended. "They're just close."
"Close, close?"
Unlike Evan who frowned in confusion, Regulus and Rabastan knew exactly what that question implied.
"How obscene," Regulus sneered. "Narcissa used to hug her cousins too, will you make the same accusation against her?"
They stiffened.
"Of course not.. I would never - "
"Then cease this talking."
"Got it."
The group moved on after that. Regulus, though, found himself glancing at the siblings every now and then. He had also noticed that Madeline's shoulders often shook.
Was she crying?
Why? What made her cry?
Was it those rumors? It must have been that rumors.
Or maybe it was whatever that was that caused her to occlude for the whole day?
Regulus frowned. If that was the reason behind the tears... then he could do nothing to help her.
But if it was the rumors..
If it was the rumors, then Regulus knew just what to do.