Limace
“Maybe I’ll go to Amsterdam
Or maybe I’ll go to Rome
And rent me a grand piano and put some flowers ‘round my room
But let’s not talk about fare-thee-wells now
The night is a starry dome
And they’re playing that scratchy rock and roll
Beneath the Matala Moon
Come on, Carey, get out your cane
And I’ll put on some silver
You’re a mean old Daddy, but I like you”
…
“Regulus, a word.”
Regulus looked up as he packed up his books, and Mason gave him a side-smirk from the corner of his vision.
“Sure, Professor,” Regulus said politely, and he heard Ben’s laughter from his response. Choosing to ignore it, he put on his satchel and walked up to Professor Slughorn, who had been standing at the front of the classroom.
Slughorn smiled warmly, “I have something for you.”
Regulus, confused, just tried to smile back with an, “Oh?”
Slughorn turned around and went to his desk, which was very cluttered, and returned with a small envelope sealed with wax of green. “For you,” He handed it to Regulus, and Regulus looked uncertain as he began to open the envelope, “in your own time.”
“Oh,” Regulus nodded, “sorry. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He nodded to his professor, who continued to smile at him as he turned around and left the classroom.
Weird.
Deciding his curiosity was more important than catching up with his friends, Regulus leaned against the wall and opened the envelope with his fingertips. Glancing back inside the classroom at Slughorn now preparing for his next class, he took out the paper, which read in silvery shiny letters:
To Regulus Black,
Congratulations. You have been personally selected and invited to Hogwarts’ very prestigious and inclusive gathering of Professor Slughorn’s most favored students. Please do attend the meeting this evening, at sunset, in Professor Slughorn’s chambers.
Best regards,
Professor Slughorn
Regulus’ brows furrowed.
At sunset?
Regulus rolled his eyes to himself, Slughorn was a weird man. He didn’t really know what this was about, but if he was being honest with himself, he was slightly flattered. But he would never admit that to anyone else.
Regulus walked to the Great Hall, keeping the letter in his bag as he felt a little more cheery than usual. Once he arrived, he walked inside, sitting down next to Elena and kissing her on the cheek.
“What was that for?” Elena asked, as she looked over at Maura who was sitting next to Tarquin. Elena and Maura had started sitting with Regulus and his friends, which hadn’t been as bad as Regulus had anticipated.
Regulus shrugged, “Just felt like it.”
Elena rolled her eyes and returned to her food, while Regulus helped himself to a plate of roasted duck and gravy. “Why the good mood, Reg?” Asked Ben, smirking to himself.
“I’ve been invited to a meeting with Slughorn tonight,” Regulus said proudly as he bit into his duck, “supposedly for his favorite students.” When his friends didn’t answer, Regulus peeked his head up, and saw they were trying very hard not to laugh. Even Elena and Maura were looking at each other. “What?” Regulus asked, unsure as to why they weren’t jealous of him or celebrating.
“The Slug Club?” Clement started to laugh, “oh my God.”
“What?!” Regulus was offended now, “It’s an honor, what’s so funny?”
“It’s not an honor,” Mason cackled, “it’s bloody embarrassing.”
Regulus narrowed his eyes, “What is so wrong about me being liked by Professor Slughorn?”
“Because,” Ben shook his head, “Slughorn is a git and his club is probably the most infamous thing at this school.” He laughed as he sipped his pumpkin juice, “I can’t believe you.”
Regulus looked at Elena for redemption, but she laughed, “I agree.”
Regulus was heated now, eating his food fast and hoping he could leave the table as soon as possible. He felt so embarrassed for being proud, for being excited that he was so liked by one of his teachers to be invited to something that seemed so fancy. He felt like an imbecile.
“Who else is in it?” Regulus asked quietly.
Ben shrugged, “Most who get in don’t show.”
Regulus sighed, “I won’t go.”
“Good,” Ben nodded, “I’d ignore you for a week if you did.”
Elena laughed at that, and Regulus looked over at her to hopefully make her feel some sort of guilt about agreeing with his friends. But she didn’t seem to have any. She seemed to think Ben was rather funny.
“Regulus,” Tarquin finally said, “want to get a headstart to Defense?” Regulus looked up and nodded, and the two of them got up and began to pack up their things.
Mason rolled his eyes, “Not you too, Tarquin.”
“Piss off, Burton,” Tarquin seemed to be very skilled at ignoring the rest of them, as he and Regulus walked around the table and left the hall. They walked through the school silently, Regulus trying to internally handle his anger, when Tarquin said, “You should go.”
Regulus looked up, “Hmm?”
“To the Slug Club thing,” Tarquin looked back at him, “I think it’s cool.”
Regulus shook his head, “I’m not going if I’m going to get made fun of.”
Tarquin sighed, “You’re too sensitive, Regulus.” Regulus was about to say something wickedly fast when Tarquin cut him, “Which I understand, because I used to be the same way. What I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t give a fuck about what they think, because it’s cool that you were invited, and you should go.”
Regulus took a second to think to himself, “I would just rather not go than to feel like I’m a sucker for going.”
Tarquin stopped walking, “And who’s going to make you feel that way?”
Regulus blinked as Tarquin turned to face him, “I don’t–”
“Look,” Tarquin stared at him, “they’re my friends, too, but they’re assholes. They’ll only target you for something if they sense you feel bad about it, too.” He put a hand on Regulus’ shoulder, “So, tell yourself you’re going and you won’t feel bad about it.”
“Okay,” Regulus sighed.
“No, I mean say it.”
Regulus raised an eyebrow, “No.”
“Say it,” Tarquin began to smile.
“No!” Regulus shoved Tarquin, and Tarquin laughed, shoving him back.
“See?” Tarquin wiggled his eyebrows, “Don’t you feel better?”
Regulus rolled his eyes and began to walk faster and away from him, “Nope.” He heard Tarquin’s footsteps catching up with him.
“Well, I haven’t done my job, then,” Tarquin smiled playfully.
“It’s not your job to make me feel better,” Regulus shot back, staring forward.
“Then who’s is it?”
Regulus took a moment, “No one’s. I don’t need someone to make me feel better.”
Tarquin nodded, “Ah, so you just allow me to?”
“I don’t allow you anything,” Regulus knew Tarquin was kidding around, but stayed firm, “you just do things without asking me.”
“I didn’t know I needed your permission,” Tarquin was looking over at him but Regulus still stared forward.
“You don’t,” Regulus shook his head, “you’re so annoying.”
They walked in silence for a little while, and soon the halls were filling up again, and they arrived to Defense Against the Dark Arts. “Go to the Slug Club,” Tarquin nodded at him, “I’ll cover for you.”
“Thank you,” Regulus fought off a smile, and Tarquin smiled freely as the two of them walked inside the classroom.
…
Regulus stood in front of the bathroom mirror, fixing up his hair and straightening his tie. He wasn’t really sure what the dress code was at the Slug Club, but if anything, his mother had taught him how to bring himself together nicely.
He wore a dark gray vest above a buttoned white shirt, with a black belt and the nicest pair of trousers he had. He wore loafers as well, and while he didn’t gel his hair, he had done a fair job at getting his curls to calm down slightly and remain presentable. He looked at himself and the mirror and figured he actually didn’t look too bad for once, maybe he would actually fit in.
Regulus walked out of the bathroom and began to get his things together, putting his satchel on in case he needed a book and pen. It was early, around 30 minutes before sunset, since he wasn’t really sure when or how he needed to get there, he wanted to be early.
“I can’t believe you’re fucking going,” Clement shook his head, “you’re ridiculous.”
Regulus ignored them. They had been saying things to him ever since he had started getting ready, and he really couldn’t find it in himself to say anything. He did trust that Tarquin would be able to defend him and get them to shut up, but he was out with Maura.
“See you all,” Regulus muttered, as he fixed his tie and started out the door.
“Have fun at – !” He heard Ben try and shout, but Regulus had already closed the door.
Regulus jogged down the stairs and walked into the common room, looking down as he walked his way through all the chattering and bickering Slytherins. When he reached the door, however, he smiled at Amitola – who was leaning against the wall and talking to another Slytherin boy.
Thank God, he thought.
He took a deep breath as he began his journey to Slughorn’s room, trying to calm himself down as he grew progressively nervous. He didn’t know why he felt so, he knew it would probably be fine and that he was arriving significantly earlier than he had to be. But for some reason still he felt uncomfortable with the unknown, since he really had no idea who else would be there and who he would be able to talk to or what they would even be doing.
Soon enough he was walking down the staircase and around the corner, and almost like clockwork, he and one other rounded opposite ends of the hallway at the same time.
Lily Evans saw him, he knew that, but didn’t react as she arrived at Slughorn’s door before he did. He figured she probably was also attending the Slug Club, he remembered Snape telling him about how Lily was extraordinarily talented at Potions.
And yet that was Snape, who was very in love with Lily, so maybe his word couldn’t be trusted (for the sake of exaggeration).
Lily walked into the classroom, and Regulus followed wearily, trying to appear as if he knew where he was going. She walked up a small set of steps that led to another door, which Regulus presumed was Slughorn’s office, and walked inside. He was about to follow her in when she closed the door.
“Good evening, Professor,” He heard her voice from inside, and after that he heard nothing else. Regulus bit his lip, standing a few steps from the door and wondering if he should go inside. Turning around, he glanced out the window, where the sun was just beginning to set. Sighing, and capturing his awkwardness, he walked up and opened the door.
Slughorn was standing around a large circular table that was set with wonderful fine china and plates and silverware of gold. Lily was next to him, and looked extremely pink once making eye contact with Regulus. “Hello, Professor Slughorn,” Regulus’ mouth felt dry, “am I interrupting something?”
“Of course not, my boy,” Professor Slughorn dismissed him, walking forward and putting a hand on his shoulder, “come in.” Regulus figured this wasn’t true, judging from the annoyed look on Lily’s face. “I’m sure you know Miss Evans,” Slughorn smiled.
“Yes,” Regulus nodded, unable to make eye contact with her.
“You both are tremendous,” Slughorn said with admiration, “I’m pleased to have you both joining me this evening.”
“Well, I haven’t missed a meeting since I was invited, Professor,” Lily grinned at her Slughorn, which bothered Regulus. It seemed very show-off-like, which Regulus didn’t find very amusing.
He cleared his throat, “And I’m pleased to have been invited tonight, sir.”
Professor Slughorn beamed at Regulus, before disappearing behind the two students to continue guiding the house elves (that Regulus hadn’t noticed) into preparing the rest of the table. Regulus glanced over at Lily, and found himself looking at her longer than he intended to. She was wearing quite a lot of makeup, and a lavish green dress. She looked beautiful. “What are you staring at me for?” Lily snapped, when she was still watching Slughorn, and not even looking in Regulus’ direction.
Regulus cleared his throat again, “You look lovely.”
“Oh my God,” Lily turned to him suddenly, “do not try and flirt with me. Don’t even think that I would be interested in you. I don’t care who you are.”
Regulus narrowed his eyes, “My apologies for complimenting you.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Lily rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and looking back at Slughorn, “I’m surprised you were even invited to this.”
“Why?” Regulus raised an eyebrow, “Is there something I lack, to you?”
“Yes,” Lily nodded, “genuine drive and skill in the subject.”
“I am fine at Potions,” Regulus was offended now, “who told you otherwise?”
Lily shook her head, “I don’t want to talk to you.”
“Why?” Regulus didn’t like her behavior very much at all, “You can’t just say something and not finish it.”
“I can,” Lily looked at him, “and I’m not interested in having a conversation with you.”
“Well, you’ll have to,” Regulus shrugged, “I’m here.”
“For tonight,” Lily looked a little devious, “maybe not in the future.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Regulus reflected her expression.
“Professor Slughorn trusts my word, is all,” Lily shrugged back. Regulus could not really infer what that meant, but then the door opened, and in walked Severus Snape himself. Lily immediately walked over to him, dropping the conversations they had been having like a hat, and leaving Regulus to look away quickly and avoid Snape at really all costs.
I need to get out of here.
Regulus swallowed, looking down at a shiny spoon.
Does she know?
Regulus sat down very quickly, forcing himself into a chair as he grabbed a goblet and began to drink. He didn’t care how he looked, well, he did, but he needed liquid – his throat felt parched, like it was closing.
He tried to block out the sound of Snape’s voice as he talked to Lily, and Regulus kept his head down as he heard more and more people walking inside. He didn’t talk to anyone, he just sat there, his head against his hand as he listened to the noise and felt so very out of place.
As students began to sit down, he recognized most of them. He had seen them before, and he of course noticed the looks some of the girls gave each other once they realized Regulus was at the table. On either side of him were two fourth year girls, one Hufflepuff and one Gryffindor, who kept exchanging glances around him. He didn’t say anything.
He stayed in his head, painfully aware that no one was even trying to talk to him as Slughorn walked over to the empty seat next to Lily and Snape. “Thank you all for coming,” Slughorn smiled his toothy smile, “tonight I would like to discuss the recent policies of mugwort and phoenix-flesh, since I am sure you have all read the article from the ministry.” Regulus glanced around as all the other students began to nod and seemed to know very well what Slughorn was on about, while Regulus himself felt embarrassingly confused. He hoped no one could tell. “I hope you will enjoy what’s been prepared, and that you enjoy this evening.” The students around the table then began to clap, in which Regulus joined in uncertainly, and then the house elves began to come from around them and fill their plates one by one with all different kinds of meat and vegetables. Regulus wasn’t entirely a fan of eating meat, but he picked at his food, losing his appetite from his uncomfortability in the room.
He sighed to himself while all the other students began to engage in a group conversation about whatever Slughorn had been talking about. Regulus didn’t feel like joining in. He felt a nudge on his side while he was taking a bite of some sort of green vegetable, and he looked over at the girl sitting beside him. “Are you new here?” She asked.
“What does it look like?” He mumbled, finishing the bite in his mouth.
She laughed a little, “Well, it looks like you’re new here.” She glanced around, “If you want to keep coming back, you’ll have to educate yourself a bit on the Potions business and news in that realm.” She shrugged, “It’s all we’re supposed to talk about. This club is really just for kissing up to Professor Slughorn.”
“I don’t like kissing up,” Regulus looked over at her, “I don’t care enough about Potions to do that. It’s a class.”
“It’s a lifestyle,” She said sarcastically, and Regulus, to his own surprise, started to laugh. She smiled.
Regulus nodded, “How do I fully commit?”
“There’s an induction after this,” She continued jokingly, so Regulus let his smile linger, “they strip you and put you in a cauldron.” Regulus really started to laugh, and so did she.
Regulus took a sip of his pumpkin juice, “That’s very funny.”
She smiled still, “Why, thank you.”
Regulus looked across the table briefly and caught a glance of Snape glaring at him, and he felt a brief chill and looked away. He gulped, turning back to the girl, “What’s your name?”
“Patricia Rakepick,” Patricia outstretched her hand to Regulus, “seventh-year.”
“Fifth,” Regulus nodded, finding the gesture odd but shaking her hand regardless, “I’m Regulus Black, nice to meet you.”
“Ah,” Patricia smiled, “brother of the marauder.” Regulus tried not to show how bothered he was by that statement, but apparently it did show, because Patricia said, “Don’t worry. I’ll set you apart.”
“Thanks,” Regulus nodded, “I appreciate that.” He took another bite of some of the pork, and Patricia watched him.
“Good, isn’t it?” Patricia sighed, “These dinners are always a bit exceptional.”
Regulus agreed, “It’s good. I don’t know, I don’t take much notice of food quality.”
“I wouldn’t guess that about you,” Patricia looked at him, “I feel like you’d be the food-critic type.”
Regulus laughed, “Hardly so.” Patricia turned away from him briefly, since a boy on her left had started talking to her. Regulus said nothing and returned back to his meal, continuing to eat with his head down while he waited for her to turn back to him. But she didn't, unfortunately.
He didn’t speak to anyone else, not even the girl next to him. He finished his meal, wiped his mouth, and sat and observed. He was a little bothered by Patricia, they had been in a conversation and she had just entirely moved away from him. He figured she probably didn’t mean to upset him, he just now didn’t know what to do with himself. Later, the students began to pack up their things, and Regulus followed; picking up his bag and dusting himself off as if he had done anything but sit down silently that evening.
“Thank you all for attending,” Slughorn clapped his hands together, “I will see you all tomorrow.” Most waved goodbye and began to leave, until Slughorn said, “Ah, Regulus, a word.”
A word. Shut up.
Regulus nodded and caught Lily Evans’ smirk at him as she exited with Snape, and he rolled in his eyes, staying behind as Slughorn walked around the table to him. “Something wrong, Professor?” He asked.
“Nothing, Regulus,” Slughorn spoke delicately, “it seemed you didn’t find much… substance… in the conversation tonight.”
Regulus swallowed, “Well I just didn’t know what we were talking about.”
“I see,” Slughorn sighed, “well, Mr. Black, if you wish to continue attending the Slug Club, you must read regularly and learn about these matters.”
Regulus sighed, “I just feel I don’t belong here, Professor.”
Slughorn shook his head, placing a hand on Regulus’ shoulder rather firmly, “You belong as much as any of them, Regulus. I have faith and pride in you.” He raised his eyebrows slightly, “You are gifted.”
“I,” Regulus went a little red, “I hardly think I’m gifted, Professor.”
“You are,” Slughorn re-affirmed, before letting go, “I will see you tomorrow.” Regulus nodded and began to go, when he heard Slughorn clear his throat, “And,” Regulus turned around, “that vest looks dashing on you.”
Regulus blinked, staring at his Professor and trying to process what he had said, and ultimately he awkwardly nodded and turned around, walking out the door.
He smacked himself in the head once he began walking down the stairs.
Idiot. Idiot.
You should’ve said something.
Regulus walked out of the classroom, beginning down the hall and feeling a little drowned in his thoughts. He had been complimented, in a way he hadn’t really been before, and he fucking nodded.
Why am I like this?
Regulus messed up his hair as he walked down the hallway and just wished he hadn’t gone at all. He had made a fool of himself practically, he didn’t talk to anyone besides Patricia and he probably looked like a fucking idiot. He felt hotter, and hotter, and bothered, and bothered…
That was until he saw a familiar face waiting for him at the end of the hallway. Regulus stopped in his tracks, making sure it was who he thought, and walked a little faster. Regulus raised an eyebrow as he walked to him, “What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you,” Tarquin grinned. Regulus rolled his eyes, and the two joined each other in walking and started down the hallway, “so, tell me all about it.”
…