I'm so sorry this took me so long to post, real life got in the way! But now that I'm back, my posting should hopefully be more consistent! Hope you like this chapter! -Stag
September 31, 1972 - Courtyard
Elizabeth sat in the courtyard with James and his friends. It was a little odd. She knew Regulus's older brother was James's friend, but it was odd to see how different they were. They looked similar enough with their curly dark hair and angular features, but there was something different about Sirius Black. Maybe it was his attitude. Sirius was kind, but rowdy and loud, roughhousing around the courtyard with James and Peter. Regulus would never. She was sitting near Remus. Of James's friends, she liked Remus the most. He was quiet, studious, and easy to talk to. He reminded her a bit of Regulus and Theodore if she was honest.
"Are you enjoying your first year at Hogwarts so far, Lizzy? Do you enjoy being a Slytherin?" Remus asked.
"I'm loving it! It's odd being so far from James, but the Slytherin common room is beautiful! It's a little cold, but our windows look into the great lake. And classes are so interesting, Regulus and I have been in the library studying non-stop," Elizabeth replied. "I know James calls me Lizzy, but my friends call me Eliza."
"Eliza it is then. You should have seen James the night you got sorted, though. He was really expecting to see you all the time in the common room," He said. "I'm surprised I haven't seen you in the library. I spend most of my time there as well."
"Truthfully, I was expecting to see him all the time," Elizabeth said. She looked out into the courtyard at James. "It's strange like I said, but I think it will be okay. It's nice to have my own group of friends, and not have to share with James anymore, I guess."
Remus didn't reply, just nodded along.
"I'll have to look for you next time Regulus and I are in the library. I'm not sure where you prefer to sit, but we enjoy the tables in the back near the potions section," Elizabeth said.
"Ah, I'm usually in the herbology or transfiguration section. It's usually quiet and should the boys ever need to find me it's toward the front of the library. That way they don't give Madam Pince a heart attack with their yelling," Remus said, tilting his head to the screaming boys.
"James, are you going to spend time with me, or should Remus and I go to the library?" Elizabeth called out to James.
James stopped moving with one arm around Peter's neck in a chokehold and the other pushing Sirius away. Sirius seemed to take advantage of the situation, tackling James and Peter to the ground. Sirius jumped up and threw his arms into the air.
"Take that!" He said.
"I'm sorry, Lizzy," James said sitting down next to her. He threw one arm around her shoulders, pulled her close, and then messed up her hair.
"Jamie!" Elizabeth yelled. "Stop it, you know I hate that!"
"It's my job to do that, Lizzy. I'm your big brother," James said seriously.
"Barely a year older!" Elizabeth protested.
"How did your potions essay turn out?" James asked. "You and Regulus ran out of the library to finish it yesterday."
"I think it's done. Regulus and Theodore read through it and said they thought it was finished and should get an E at least. I'm hoping for an O, though."
"Are any of your friends' girls, Lizzy? Regulus, Theodore, Mum said you've written home about a Cypress. Are your dorm mates being nice to you?" James asked.
"Well, I met Regulus, Theodore, and Cypress on the train, they were all very kind, even though they expected me to be a Gryffindor. And yes my dorm mate Sophia is one of my best friends, Regulus and I just study well together. Besides, why are you asking Mum about my friends?" Elizabeth said. "And I told you to call me Eliza, James."
"Because I've been worried about you living in the snake pit! And because you shouldn't just be friends with boys," James said, knocking his shoulder into hers. "Who came up with Eliza anyway? I've always called you Lizzy, and I'm not going to stop now."
"I'm fine if there was a problem I'd tell you! I can be friends with whoever I want, James," Elizabeth said, frowning at James. "Regulus started it because he doesn't like Lizzy. He kept calling me Elizabeth-"
"Mum and Dad only call you that when you're in trouble," James chimed in.
"Exactly, I felt like I was being scolded. Regulus decided Eliza was a compromise and it just caught on. I like the name, I think it suits me," Elizabeth said.
"Why didn't Reg like Lizzy?" Sirius asked quietly.
"He said he didn't like the sound of it, I think he said it was 'common,'" Elizabeth said, avoiding looking at Sirius and James. She didn't want to talk about the muggle comment or the blood traitor comment. She and Regulus hadn't spoken of it again and the subject of blood hadn't been mentioned by anyone in their group. She was glad. Blood wasn't talked about at home. Her parents never made being purebloods a big deal. She still wasn't sure why the others seemed to have a problem with muggles, but she wasn't looking forward to another conversation about it.
"I bet he said it sounded muggle," Sirius said scoffing.
"Sirius," Remus said.
"No, I bet he did, didn't he?" Sirius asked.
"No. He didn't, actually. He said it sounded common," Elizabeth said, glaring at Sirius. While she didn't want James to know about the comment, she also felt the need to defend her friend. "Besides, it hardly matters why. The fact is I prefer to be called Eliza, and that's it."
December 12, 1972 - Slytherin Common Room
"Eliza!" Sophia said, dropping her bag on the floor and joining Elizabeth in the plush, soft chairs by the fire. The Slytherin common room was comfortable but elegant, if not a little cold.
"Sophia!" Elizabeth replied, marking her page in her book and setting it down. The nickname had caught on among her friends and classmates. James still refused to call her Eliza, insisting it was his privilege and duty as her big brother to call her his "little Lizzy."
"What are you doing during the break?" She asked. "Will you be staying at Hogwarts or going home?"
"I'll be going home for the holidays," Elizabeth said. "What are your plans?"
"I'll be going home as well," she said. "This is the first year my brother and I are both away at Hogwarts, and she'd go mental if we didn't come back home for the holidays."
"I'm not sure I'd want to stay here during the holidays," Elizabeth said. "Hogwarts is beautiful and all, but I'd miss my family if I didn't go home."
"I know what you mean," Sophia said, nodding. "Hogwarts is starting to feel like home, but I don't think I'll ever stay at Hogwarts if I don't have to."
"I agree. It wouldn't feel right." Elizabeth said.
"Talking about holiday plans, girls?" Regulus said, walking up to the girls and sitting beside Elizabeth.
"We're both just excited to be going home for a few days, Reg. What about you?" Sophia asked.
"I will also be venturing home for the break. Before I forget," he said, reaching into his bag and pulling out a small stack of papers. "My mother is holding her annual Yule Ball on the 25th and has instructed me to invite my friends. I hope you'll be able to make it." He said handing Sophia and Elizabeth each an invitation before leaning back in his chair. "I'm sure your brother has been invited as well, Eliza. Mother is looking forward to meeting you."
"I'm excited to meet her as well," Elizabeth said smiling.
"Wait until you meet her…" Sophia muttered under her breath.
"Did you say something, Sophia?" Regulus said, scowling.
"No!" Sophia said. "I was clearing my throat."
"Of course," Regulus said with a curt smile.
Elizabeth watched the exchange with curiosity. So far she hadn't heard anything about Regulus's mother from him, good or bad, but the small comments Sophia, James, and Sirius had made were starting to make her think Mrs. Black wasn't the kindest woman.
"Besides attending your mother's ball, are you planning on doing anything fun over the holidays, Reg?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'll probably see some family, but otherwise the holidays are fairly quiet," Regulus replied.
"I'm sure James is excited to attend the ball. He was so upset he didn't get to see Sirius all summer," Elizabeth said. "Potter Manor is always loud and busy around Christmas time. Dad and James always get the tree while Mum and I bake. It's my favorite time of the year."
"You don't have house elves to bake for you?" Sophia asked.
"We have a few house elves, but mostly they clean. My mum enjoys cooking and baking," Elizabeth explained, shrugging.
"Huh, I'm not sure my mom knows how to bake," Sophia said.
"My mother does occasionally, but her wand work is better spells and charms," Regulus said.
"Oh, mum doesn't usually use her wand. She says magic makes food taste weird and that James and I should know how to do things without magic," Elizabeth said.
Regulus and Sophia shared a look. Regulus's mouth was pursed. Elizabeth frowned. Regulus looked back at her and gave her a tight smile. Sophia looked at Elizabeth as well, giving her an odd look.
"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked.
"No," Sophia said.
"Your parents are odd," Regulus said at the same time. "Your mother is a witch, she should use magic."
"She does! She just enjoys cooking," Elizabeth said. She had a sinking feeling that this was another blood conversation she didn't want to have. The subject had been thoroughly avoided until now.
"Eliza, I'm saying this for your own good," Regulus started. "Your parents are blood traitors. If you want to succeed at Hogwarts in Slytherin, you need to realize that you're a pureblood. You are leagues ahead of and better than muggles and mudbloods. Don't lessen yourself to fit your parents' twisted ideals."
Elizabeth could feel tears prickling in her eyes. She had heard that word, but only here at Hogwarts. Older students whispered it in hallways and the great hall, pointing at other students and laughing behind their backs. She had never heard Regulus say it. It had never been said directly to her in casual conversation, or any conversation for that matter.
"I'm going to bed," Elizabeth said, packing her bag. She no longer wanted to be a part of this conversation.
"You almost forgot your invitation, Eliza," Regulus said, holding it out for her to take.
"I'm not sure I want it anymore," she said. Regulus's face fell for a second before he clenched his jaw and put it into his own bag. It was rude to deny the invitation after she had already accepted and even ruder to do so in front of Sophia. If her mother ever heard about this she was sure to be lectured, but that seemed unimportant now.
"Fine," he said.
Elizabeth chose not to respond. She nodded to Sophia, who was looking at her with wide eyes before she turned her back on her friends. She went up the stairs to the girls' dorms, sat on her bed, and drew the curtains closed. Alone, she let her tears roll down her cheeks and drip onto her blanket. Regulus hadn't been mean to her, but he had been mean. His tone was harsh and he had been insulting her family. Her friends believed in the opposite values her parents taught. Maybe her brother was right to worry. Maybe the hat had been all wrong sorting her into Slytherin.
December 13th, 1972 - Slytherin Common Room
Elizabeth hadn't expected to see him waiting by the stairs. She had purposely stayed in bed late to avoid her friends. They usually walked to breakfast together and after her conversation with Regulus and Sophia the night before she didn't want to walk to breakfast with them. She didn't want to sit with them at the table either, but her choices there were limited. She had assumed that Regulus and Sophia would have told the group what happened the night before and they would have just left without her. She was obviously different from the others. Between her beliefs and the way she grew up, she was the odd one out. Even if Cypress and Theodore didn't know about their argument last night, she thought they would all just go without her, especially Regulus. She was the newest addition to their friend group, she didn't expect anyone's friendship with her to override their friendship with Regulus.
But there he was at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her.
"Oh, good, you're awake," Regulus said. "I'm starved."
"Why are you here?" Elizabeth asked.
"We always walk to breakfast together," he said, giving her an odd look. "I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming transfiguration essay."
"You didn't need to wait for me," she said, avoiding looking at him. When he didn't answer, she continued. "We argued last night, I figured you'd all go without me."
"The others wanted to wait for you as well, but I told them to go eat and that I would wait for you," Regulus said, shrugging. "I didn't intend to upset you last night, Eliza. I apologize for doing so. I know your family sees things differently, and it was never my intention to upset you as I did. But Slytherin sees things differently. I'm not sure you noticed but there are no mudbloods in this house. Slytherin prides itself on purity, on tradition. It's the basis for respect here. If you come from an ancient and noble house, if you understand your place in the world, people can't take advantage of you."
"I don't like that word," Elizabeth said in response. "And I don't think this is as black and white as you make it seem, Regulus."
She hated how sure he sounded. She hated to think that maybe he was right. All of the Slytherin prefects were purebloods. No one seemed to pick on her, Regulus, and Sophia, even though they were only first years. She didn't want to keep having these conversations. Elizabeth was meant to write her parents a letter tonight, maybe she would ask her mum how she handled the blood purity issue while she was at school. Maybe it was best to play along.
"You don't have to say it," Regulus countered. "As I said, I'm trying to help you. You'll see the way things work here soon enough."
"I'm hungry," Elizabeth said, already beginning to walk towards the common room entrance. It was decided. She would ignore this as long as she could. "Keep up, Reg, or breakfast will be over by the time we get there!"
December 13th, 1972 - Great Hall
"Eliza, I nearly forgot," Regulus said. The pair had just sat down at Slytherin's table with the rest of their friends. "I wanted to invite you to my mother's annual Yule Ball. It'll be held on the 25th."
Elizabeth stared at the invitation he handed her. It was rude to deny the invitation now, in front of their friends. It had been rude enough in front of Sophia, but rejecting his invitation in the great hall was worse than any faux pas. She was trapped and he knew it by the looks of his smirk.
"I would love to attend," Elizabeth said. "It would be an honor to meet your mother."
"I'm glad you'll be in attendance," Regulus said, still smirking. "My mother looks forward to meeting you as well."
Elizabeth and Sophia made eye contact from across the table. Elizabeth shook her head and looked over at Regulus out of the corner of her eye. He looked far too proud of himself. Despite being mad at the trap Regulus had set, Elizabeth smiled.
December 15th, 1972 - Godric's Hollow
Dear Mum,
Hogwarts is wonderful as always. Though I mostly hang out with my own friends, I have been spending some time with Jamie and his friends. They're nice I suppose, but Jamie, Sirius, and Peter tend to rough house a lot, so Remus is the only one I've really talked to. Regulus and I spend most of our time in the library studying, however, so as much as I miss Jamie, I don't see him as often as I'd like. As December continues, the common room gets colder and colder! Thank you for sending me more sweaters!
Regulus has invited me to his mother's annual Yule Ball on the 25th and I really want to go, Mum. All of my friends will be going and it would be so embarrassing to be the only one who didn't attend! Besides Regulus said his mother wants to meet me as I'm the only one of his friends she's never met. It would be rude not to go.
I also had something kind of personal to ask you, Mum. I know you were in Slytherin and you always told James and I that blood purity doesn't matter. I believe that, but my friends don't and I'm not sure what to do. Regulus said it's better if I "accept my place" above muggles and muggleborns (although he used a foul word) to succeed in Slytherin. I wanted to know what you did when you were in school. Really, I want to know what you think I should do.
Love you,
Eliza
P.S. Please don't tell Dad or Jamie about the blood purity thing. I know you'll understand because you were also in Slytherin. I don't want them to worry. Thank you.
December 17th, 1972 - Slytherin Girls Dorm
Lizzy Eliza,
I'm glad to hear your first year is going so well. I remember how cold the dungeons can get. Please let me know if you need any extra sweaters (or any extra sweets). I'm glad you've been spending time with your brother, I'm sure he misses you terribly. You two will get to spend all summer break together, though, so don't worry too much. I'm glad you're making your own friends too. It's not good to share everything with your brother.
The family as a whole has been invited to the Black's annual Yule Ball. Your father and I have declined the invitation, but James is going and you may attend as well. I wouldn't dare cause you to be embarrassed in front of your friends and I wouldn't want you to come off as rude to Regulus's mother. When you arrive back home we can pick out a dress for the occasion.
Being a Slytherin can be difficult, love. The options presented to you will not always have a clear right and wrong answer. I'm sorry for that. I'm glad you are sticking by what you believe, even if it is privately. Slytherin has always been a very prideful house, and sadly many purebloods still believe their pride comes from their blood. You and your friends are young, Lizzy Eliza, and you all have time to grow and figure out your own beliefs. You have a better foundation than most, and it may take your peers some time to catch up with you and your morals. That's okay. It's okay to want to keep your friends. I think you are a very clever girl, Elizabeth, and I think your friend Regulus might be right in the way that your time at Hogwarts would be easier if you followed the beliefs of your house. I think you should do what you feel is best for you, as long as you're not hurting anyone or using that foul language.
I won't tell James or your Dad about this. Some things are just meant to stay between Slytherins. I'll always keep your secrets, sweetie.
Love,
Mum
December 25th, 1972 - Drawing Room, 12 Grimmauld Place
It was impossible to find Regulus in such a large crowd. Elizabeth clutched James's hand in the Foyer of the Black family home. People were milling about, drinks in hand, towards what Elizabeth assumed was the main room for the ball. She and James followed the crowd into the drawing room.
Tables were placed around the walls of the room leaving the center open for mingling and dancing. Music was playing, though Elizabeth couldn't discern where it was coming from. She and James avoided the men in dress robes and women in elegant dresses as they searched the room for their friends. People were wandering about in the center of the room, pausing to talk and drink, before continuing on their way. One table in the far corner of the room, Elizabeth noticed, had adults crowded around it. She tried to look and see who was there through a gap in the crowd, but James was pulling her along. The gap closed as someone else approached the table, and Elizabeth turned back to James.
James seemed to find Sirius easily. He pulled Elizabeth along with him towards his friend, never once letting go of her hand. He was tense, anxious even, Elizabeth realized. The pair was rarely without their parents outside of Hogwarts. With Sirius as his only friend here and Elizabeth looking to spend the night with her own friends, James was practically alone.
"Sirius!" James said.
"James," Sirius replied. "I'm glad you made it, this party is already putting me to sleep. This is my Uncle Alphard. The only cool Black ever."
"It's nice to meet you, James," Alfred said, laughing at Sirus' description. "And who are you, young lady?"
"Eliza," Elizabeth said, nodding her head at the man.
"James and Eliza, it's nice to meet you," he said.
"Have you seen your brother, Sirius?" Elizabeth asked. "He said he would be waiting at the floo for me to arrive, but he wasn't there and I haven't been able to find him."
"He's probably with mother," Sirius said, frowning. "He practically holds onto her skirts at these Balls."
"I believe I saw him heading towards the kitchen a few minutes ago, Eliza," Alphard said. "You should start there in your search."
"Thank you, sir," Elizabeth said, once again nodding her head towards the man. She tightened her hold on James's hand for a moment before letting go and pulling away from him. "James, you'll come to find me when it's time to leave, right?"
"Of course I will, Lizzy," James said, offended at the question. "What are big brothers for?"
Elizabeth smiled at her brother before taking off in pursuit of Regulus. She crossed the drawing room again, now taking the time to search the tables for any sight of Regulus. Most tables were empty; the adults were socializing around the drawing room and perhaps even the rest of the house. Only two tables had occupants. Alphard, Sirius, and James sat at one. The other table was the one she had noticed before, and it only had one man sitting there. He was at a corner table, his back protected by the two walls behind him, socializing and watching the room. Elizabeth watched as other attendees made their way to him, talking and bowing, but never sitting down with him. She couldn't be sure, but Elizabeth didn't think that was Regulus's father. He was odd. Or, he wasn't odd, she noted, he looked normal and was old enough to be either her or one of her friends' fathers', but something about him was odd. Something about the way he looked around the room, the way he never stood, the way people bowed to him, the way people seemed to be going out of their way to greet him, was odd. As the man glanced around the room, Elizabeth met his eyes. His cold stare held her eyes, not quite looking at her, but looking through her. She couldn't tell how long she stood there, eyes locked onto the man, but it felt like an eternity.
"There you are Eliza," Regulus said, appearing beside her. "I'm sorry I didn't meet you at the floo, I was greeting other guests with my mother."
"It's alright, Regulus," Elizabeth said, breaking eye contact with the man. She looked back towards him, but he was no longer looking at her. He was mingling again, his gaze resting on a young curly-haired witch in front of him. "Do you know who he is, Reg?"
Regulus followed her line of sight back towards the man and the small crowd gathered around him. He frowned but shook his head.
"I'm not sure," he said. "Mother just said to keep out of his way tonight. Speaking of my mother, she's just over there and I promised I would introduce you."
Regulus grabbed her hand, pulling her towards his mother. For a moment she resisted, still curious who the man was, but she gave in and let Regulus lead her away.
"Oh, alright," Elizabeth said. "I'm a little nervous."
"Don't be," Regulus said. "It'll be fine, you're a Slytherin and she already likes you more than your brother."
"Well it's not hard to be the most likable Potter when James is the competition," she said, laughing with her friend.
The pair quieted down as they approached his mother.
"Mother," Regulus said. "This is my friend Eliza Potter."
"Hello Mrs. Black, it's lovely to meet you," Elizabeth said, curtseying to the older woman as her mother had instructed her to do.
"Hello Eliza," Mrs. Black said, looking down at her with a sour look on her face. "Let's hope you aren't as much trouble as your brother is."
Elizabeth glanced back at James and Sirius. They were still at the table, but they were clinking their glasses together, spilling their drinks, and tipping their chairs back at an alarming angle.
"I do my best to stay out of trouble altogether," Elizabeth said, looking back at Mrs. Black. "I like to think my brother and I are very different people."
"You'd have to be," Regulus said. "You wouldn't be in Slytherin if you were like your brother."
"A Potter in Slytherin, your parents must be upset," Mrs. Black said.
"I think my father was disappointed, but I fit in very well in Slytherin," Elizabeth responded.
"You fit in well? Your parents haven't poisoned your mind with their blood traitor ideology yet? They haven't taught you to love mudbloods and muggles then?" Mrs. Black asked, sneering.
Elizabeth paused. Something told her this is the kind of situation her mother had been talking about. Here, in front of Mrs. Black, was a good place to pretend she agreed with blood purity. This would be best for her. Mrs. Black was obviously someone who hadn't grown away from prejudice as her mother had said. If she was going to start lying about her beliefs, it was now.
"Well, my parents certainly don't approve of that word, but even with their teaching, it isn't hard to see the way the world should be," Elizabeth said, glancing over at Regulus. "Going to Hogwarts really put things into perspective for me, you could say."
Mrs. Black smiled. It was an odd smile, not kind like her mother's, but gleeful in a strange way. Elizabeth smiled back politely, glancing at Regulus once more. He was looking at her strangely, as though he wasn't sure what to think about the scene that had just unfolded.
"I'm glad you're coming around, Eliza," Mrs. Black said. "It's wonderful to know that someone can bring honor back to the Potter name. It's a shame your brother takes after your parents."
"I'm sorry?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well you'll marry into another family, Eliza, your brother will continue the Potter name. It's a shame he won't bring honor to the family and keep it there," Mrs. Black said. The sour look had returned to her face.
"Of course," Elizabeth said.
"Are your parents looking into betrothals for you, Eliza?" Mrs. Black asked.
"Oh, no, not yet," Eliza said, stammering. "We haven't talked much about it, but they want to wait until I'm older."
"Well, if you have any hope at securing a good pureblood match, your parents should begin to consider it," Mrs. Black said.
"Of course," Elizabeth said, unsure how to move the conversation on without offending her.
"If you turned out alright, maybe Dorea isn't completely lost," Mrs. Black said, talking more to herself than the children in front of her. "I'll write to her and mention it if you'd like, Eliza. Perhaps bringing together the Black and Potter bloodlines in this generation could do some good for your family."
Elizabeth stood still, looking up at Mrs. Black shocked. Proposing a marriage between Elizabeth and one of her sons when they were all children? Truthfully her parents had never really talked about betrothals with her or James. The Potters' didn't follow many pureblood traditions and had no plans of contracting a marriage for their children before they could decide for themselves. Elizabeth had a feeling if Mrs. Black actually owled her mother, the letter would be tossed into the fireplace before she finished reading it.
"Mother, I think I see some of our other school friends," Regulus said. "May we head over to meet them?"
"Of course, Regulus," Mrs. Black said. "It was wonderful to meet you, Eliza. If you'd like to join me and a few other women and young ladies for tea over the summer, I can owl you the details."
"That sounds lovely, Mrs. Black. I would be delighted to join you for tea," Elizabeth said.
Mrs. Black gave another strange smile and nodded at the pair and turned to rejoin the Ball. Regulus turned to face Elizabeth and raised one eyebrow.
"What was that?" He asked.
"What?" Elizabeth responded.
"That blood purity speech you gave my mother," Regulus said.
"What else was I supposed to tell her?" Elizabeth asked. "It's better if she likes me, isn't it?"
"Of course it is," Regulus said. "Though you've just agreed to tea with most of the Black women for an indefinite amount of time, so maybe it would have been better to be a blood traitor like your brother."
"It can't be that bad, Regulus," Elizabeth said, shaking her head.
"You have no idea," Regulus said, pulling her back to the party.
"Though I hope she doesn't actually owl my mum," Elizabeth said. "I can't imagine my parents will be happy to get a betrothal contract for either you or Sirius."
"You can be sure she will owl your mother," Regulus said. "It won't be an outright contract, but more of a suggestion. The contract will come when you turn fifteen."
Regulus knocked his shoulder into hers, laughing. Elizabeth smiled and shook her head.
"Regardless, I doubt my parents will consider anything. They want me to make the choice," Elizabeth said.
"It's tradition," Regulus said, shrugging. "I trust my parents will choose for me when it's time."
"It sounds like your mother thinks I'm the right choice," Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"As I said, I trust my parents to make the right choice," Regulus said, looking away from Elizabeth. She couldn't be sure, but she thought she saw him blush before he turned away.
"Where are the others?" Elizabeth asked, changing the conversation. "I thought you saw them?"
"That was an excuse to get away from my mother," Regulus laughed. "They're probably at our table."
"We have a table?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's a kid's table of sorts," Regulus said. "It's just for you, me, Sophia, Cypress, and Theodore. It's so we stay out of the adults' way."
"James and Sirius aren't seated with us?" She asked.
"No, they're sitting with Uncle Alphard," Regulus said, making a face Elizabeth could only describe as mimicking his mothers. "Mother thought they would be less trouble that way. At least Uncle Alphard can keep an eye on them there, though he doesn't seem to be doing a good job."
Regulus pointed over at them. James and Sirius were still goofing around, tipping their chairs and banging their hands on the table. Alphard didn't seem to mind their antics, instead, he laughed with the boys and kept a safe hold on their chairs to prevent them from falling. Elizabeth smiled. She was almost jealous. The scene unfolding at the table seemed to be much more fun than her conversation with Mrs. Black.
"Eliza!" Sophia said as Regulus and Elizabeth approached the table.
"Sophia!" Elizabeth responded, sitting beside her friend.
"Did you meet Mrs. Black yet?" Sophia asked.
"I did," Elizabeth said. She glanced at Regulus, who was busy talking to Theodore. "I'll send you an owl tomorrow."
Sophia's eyes widened and she nodded excitedly.
"Would you join me to dance, Sophia?" Theodore asked, holding his hand out.
Sophia smiled and grabbed his hand. He led her to the floor, where adults had stopped mingling and began dancing with their partners.
"Would you like to dance with me, Eliza?" Regulus asked.
"I don't really know how to if I'm honest. Mum and Dad never thought it was important to teach me and James," Elizabeth responded nervously.
"Just follow my lead," Regulus said, grabbing her hand and pulling her from her seat.
"So am I just supposed to wait here?" Cypress called out to them laughing.
"Yes!" Regulus called back.
Regulus held one of her hands in his and wrapped his other arm around her waist. He started moving back and forth, pulling her along with him, gracefully moving them to the music.
"Am I doing this right?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well except for stepping on my feet, you're doing perfect," Regulus said, laughing.
"I'm sorry!" Elizabeth said, looking down towards her feet. "I don't mean to."
"Don't watch your feet," Regulus said. "It's fine, next time we'll have to put a feather-light charm on your feet though."
Regulus and Elizabeth returned to the table when the song ended, but Sophia and Theodore continued dancing. Cypress jumped up as they returned, ready to ask Elizabeth to dance as well.
"You're lucky I asked her first, Cypress," Regulus said. "She was stepping on my toes the entire time. I think I might have lost one if we danced any longer."
"Hey!" Elizabeth said.
"It's true!" Regulus responded laughing.
When James came to find her, Elizabeth and Regulus were sitting at an abandoned table. Their friends had long since left with their parents, leaving only Elizabeth and Regulus together waiting for the party to end. They were leaning against each other, Elizabeth's head resting on Regulus's shoulder as they talked.
"Lizzy," James said. "We've got to get going, Mum and Dad are expecting us home soon."
"Alright," Elizabeth said, picking her head up from Regulus's shoulder.
"I'll walk you to the floo, Eliza," Regulus said.
Elizabeth, Regulus, and James walked in silence out of the drawing room and into the foyer.
"Thank you, Regulus," Elizabeth said as she and James were about to enter the floo. "I know I said I didn't want to come before, but I'm glad I did. It was a wonderful night."
"I'm glad you came as well," Regulus said. He seemed to pause for a moment, before leaning in and kissing her cheek. "I'll see you when we return to Hogwarts."
James narrowed his eyes at Regulus before throwing the floo powder down and calling out "Potter Manor."