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Regulus was having a bad day. His list of trouble started with his cauldron blasting in the Potios due to his idiot of a partner, followed by taking half an hour to catch a damn snitch which he would usually catch within fifteen minutes any other day. And now to top it off, he had to accompany Katherine Smith, a Slytherin pureblood to Hogsmeade for a date!
His day couldn't get any worse.
Normally, Regulus would have brushed off her advances like he did with everyone else. But her being a pureblood and of the Slytherin proves to be of great advantage for her and greatly unlucky for him. His mother who loathed non magical folks was immediately impressed by her father who was also infamous for his hatred for muggles. Both of them bonded over their bigotry and wished to connect their families.
Which is why Regulus against his will and his desperate attempts was here taking her to Hogsmeade for a date per his charming mother's demand and threats of course. He was the heir now. The responsibility of storing their honour and their legacy falls on him. So, he should act like one.
It was times like this he wished he was as rebellious as Sirius. In that way, their mother could not make him act against his wishes.
But only the fools dwell in dreams, he was taught. So, he had to make the best of the situation he was unwillingly subjected to.
The ‘ if life throws lemon at you, then you should make lemonade. ‘ Except he was allergic to lemons. So, at the end the only thing waiting for him was death.
“Regulus? “
He jolted in surprise as he snapped out of his mind at the mention of his name. Beside him, his date was looking at him, face frowned in curiosity. Regulus mentally berated himself for his lack of awareness and apologised rather bashfully.
“I apologise for my behaviour. It's just that we have a match tomorrow and I am rather nervous about it. “ A complete lie. But the girl didn't know a thing about him. Just another admirer dreaming about him from afar for all the superficial reasons. She would never catch onto it.
Which she didn't as she smiled, the previous event did not bother her anymore now that she had his attention.” It’s okay. You have always been a perfectionist . So, I get it. “
“Absolutely. “ He remarked driely.
“Come Let’s go to the three broomsticks. We can talk over there over warm butter beers. “
She shyly took his hand, tugging him in her direction. It would be sweet if we forget about the fact that she didn't even ask and had no respect for his boundaries which Regulus absolutely hated but then his mother's furious face came to his mind and he surrendered. And so begrudgingly Regulus followed her, constantly reminding himself to maintain a pleased expression and let not any bitterness seep through the facade
The three broomsticks was as usual bursting with people. Roars of laughter heard around here and there. And talks flew here and there. Katherine dragged him to the empty seats by the window. On his way, he caught his brother's eye, shocked, sitting with his friends, the other three who looked as equally surprised as him. He grimaced as he sat down, making himself small so he could hide away from their judgemental gazes.
“I was truly so happy when you accepted my proposal,Regulus. Thank you for giving me a chance. “ Katherine beamed, expressing her gratitude. Now, Regulus felt bad for antagonising her so much before. She also could have been forced by her father. He was painting her as a villain for her simple crush, where she was far from fault at this.
The only villains were the selfish adults and even him to an extent. If only he had a spine, he would not end up in this situation at all.
“Regulus? “
“Sorry once again. I wa- Let’s order, shall we? “
“Oh! Let me do that! You should calm down and not worry about the match so much. You seem incredibly nervous. I am sure you will do great. “
Surprised, he nodded as she got up, smiling, heading over to the counter to put their orders in.
He could see James Potter looking at him from his peripheral vision, his face twisted in confusion and he seemed oddly mad. His usual cheerfulness was gone and was replaced by a serious, fuming persona.
‘What has gotten his knickers in a twist?’ Regulus thought as he kept his eyes fixed on the table, determinedly not looking at him.
“And I am here! “ Katherine arrived with their butter bears in hand, beaming as she handed him his and sat down, eager to finally spend some time with him.
Regulus in return gave her a tight lipped smile, trying his best to hide his lack of interest. He could feel a pair of eyes boring holes into his back. Hazel eyes to be more precise.
“So, my father told me you know how to play the piano. “
“Ahh- I just carried it on as a hobby. I am not quite a spectacular pianist. “ More like his mother forced it upon him and Sirius since childhood.
“I also know that you are quite humble. So, I will take it as I can serenade you anytime I want. “ She winked at him. Regulus, speechless, stared at her. All the shyness of earlier now clashing with her playful nature. He didn't know which one he disliked less.
“ Well, I am honest. “ He shrugged.
“I think-Ouh! “ She jolted in surprise, her feet striking his by mistake. Surprised, she quickly looked under the table, “I think something grazed my feet! Something fur-” and then she screamed. Very loud. Annoyingly so.
“What happe-”
“ A rat! There is a rat under our table! It bit me! It bit me! “ Screeching, she scooted into her chair. Her scream alerted everyone in the bar as they came rushing around to see what's wrong. Regulus stood there, shocked at the turn of the event as his date whimpered in fear, describing her tragic meeting with the rat earlier to Rosmerta, the owner of the pub
who was inspecting her wound from the bite.
His eyes landed on the marauders who were staring at the commotion like the rest of them.Sirius seemed confused at the whole ordeal while Lupin looked guilty for some reason and was glaring at Potter who tried to act unbothered by the whole thing.
Katherine was still whimpering in pain. Apparently the rat had bitten her quite hard. Some of her friends, notified by the commotion, came to her help.
“Black, we are taking her to Madam Pompfrey. We will meet you in the castle.”
“Y-yes. ” Regulus sputtered.
He watched as they left. Just like him, everyone in the pub also stared after them. It’s not everyday such huge chaos is incited by people who were not the marauders. Speaking of the marauders, Regulus turned to look at them, who went about minding their own business. Pettigrew joining them now and Potter giving him a high five.
Just what on earth was going on?!
He sighed in exhaustion. Today was a long day. And he thought the day couldn't get any more chaotic.