Chapter 37

Hermione yawned as she exited the library, books tucked under her arm. With the advanced magic she was performing on a daily basis, she hardly blinked at the seventh-year coursework that was being thrown at her. Still, that didn't mean she was going to become complacent. Essence of Time or not, Hermione was going to complete her NEWTs if it killed her.

She stumbled blearily along the hallways, seriously considered hopping back in time a couple of hours to get some sleep – even if it meant undoing all the work she had put into the study group she and Lily Evans had recently co-founded. At this point, facing the wrath of the Head Girl felt like a welcome distraction from the exhaustion plaguing her.

Just as she thought that, a hand reached out from behind a tapestry and latched onto her arm, dragging her into a hidden alcove. Luckily for her attacker, Hermione was much too tired to really react beyond a half-hearted glare.

"I really don't have time for this Dìona." Hermione said, rubbing her eyes with a yawn. "I have to be up early tomorrow and no matter what you say, using magic to get more sleep is cheating."

"Who are you talking to?" A voice that was decidedly not Dìona's asked.

Hermione paused the motion of her hand. Slowly, she looked up.

Regulus Black stared back at her.

Hermione blinked. "Er…hi?"

"Hello."

"Do you…want something?"

Regulus looked shiftily around the alcove. "…no."

Hermione cocked an eyebrow. "You sure?"

Regulus sighed, then leaned in closer to whisper, "I heard you were offering study help?"

Hermione blinked again. "I…am."

"I…uh," Regulus started. "Would not object to astronomy lessons."

Hermione stared at him. He seemed to be serious, if a little embarrassed, though she didn't know what he could have to be –

Hermione gasped a laugh. "Astronomy!"

Regulus scowled, wrapping his arms around himself and trying to make himself smaller. "Laugh it up," he grumbled.

"You're a Black!" Hermione gasped unnecessarily. "Your name is literally a constellation! Don't you study the stars from birth?" She couldn't stop the giggles that rose up, clutching her sides as tears of mirth leaked from her eyes.

"I don't know what that has to do with it." Regulus groused grumpily.

Hermione forced herself to sober, stifling the last few giggles that bubbled up to consider Regulus properly.

"Okay," She said finally. "I will help you study astronomy."

Regulus seemed to deflate in relief. "Thank you."

Hermione nodded. "Meet me in the Herbology section Saturday at 10. Bring your notes."

And then she left him standing in the alcove, wondering at what ulterior motive had possessed Regulus to approach her, for surely he could find some other student to help him with his studies. Hermione vowed to keep a closer eye on the younger Black brother from here on out.

A/N: Hi! Regulus is back! Yay!