The Beginning

by Slopopina

Regina is Severus Rogue's twin sister. They soon meet Lily Evans, who becomes their best friend, if not family. This is the story of their years of study in Hogwarts. Friendship, love, family, hatred, suffering. All those things who make us the adults we are, the three students will go through them all. Warning: It's a SQ story. Rated M

3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3. The beginning of the tensions. Third Year.

"What do you mean you're not attracted to men?"

"What part did you not understand, Lily?" answered Regina, annoyed.

"I mean, you're thirteen! How could you possibly know that?" she continued.

"I know that because… I think I'm attracted to girls" finally admitted the brunette.

"Oh." Exhaled Lily, a little surprised. "Well, I guess it explains a lot" she smiled. "Is there a girl you like?" she asked, absolutely delighted.

"No." Regina lied.

Severus smirked.

"You sure?" insisted Lily playfully.

"What do you mean I'm sure? What do you want me to say?"

"Well… you seemed to bond very much with Bellatrix" calmly stated the red-head.

Severus laughed out loud and added:

"Yes, sis! You enjoyed very much her company"

Regina rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, I bonded quite well with you too, Lil. Doesn't mean I want to kiss you"

"That's too bad, I'd really want a girl to kiss me one day" laughed Lily.

"Don't tell me you're attracted to girls as well!" exclaimed Severus.

"No, I'm not! But a kiss is pretty innocent, isn't it?" smiled Lily.

Regina snorted.

"I guess" answered Severus, thoughtful.

"Let me tell you that it won't feel innocent when I kiss a girl!" joyfully said Regina.

"Oh my God, Gina. You're already perverted! When the hell did that happen?" teased Lily.

"Somewhere in the middle of last year, I think" seriously answered the brunette.

"To be more precise, I'd even say somewhere around Christmas" winked Severus.

Regina threateningly glared at her brother who diverted his eyes, laughing.

"Ok, well… sorry to change this oh so fascinating-Regina's-sexuality-subject, but I'm sure you're aware we have two months to train, and we also must choose two new classes! Did you think about it?" interrupted Lily.

"Yeah, I think I'll take Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures" shrugged Severus.

"I'll take the Study of Ancient Runes class, and care of Magical Creatures" added Regina.

"Hum… I was hesitating between Arithmancy and Muggle Studies…" reddened Lily.

"Muggle Studies, seriously? You already know everything there is to know!" exclaimed disbelievingly Severus.

"I do, but I was curious to know how the wizards perceive the Muggles, you know? To study them through the magical world's eyes" explained Lily.

"I see" thoughtfully said Severus.

"I think it's a great idea, Lily! Plus, if you choose this subject, we'll have one common subject, and three completely different ones and we'll be able to exchange our lessons and learn more things!" beamed Regina.

"There's no way I'm studying the Muggles!" stubbornly protested Severus.

"And why's that?" asked threateningly Lily.

"I don't know" back-pedaled Severus. "I don't think it will be very necessary or helpful for our future" tried to explain the boy.

"Maybe you're right…" admitted Lily. Severus exhaled, relieved. "But I still don't know what I want to do after Hogwarts… so I was thinking I could maybe study the Muggles and see if there's a way to work with them to protect them against bad wizards" explained quickly Lily.

"You're talking about You-Know-Who, right?" deciphered Severus.

"Yes" shyly admitted the girl.

"I'm not sure he's a bad wizard, Lil. He just wants what's best for everyone! And I'm sure that if the Muggles let us do things our way, it'd be for the greater good, you know?" said Severus.

"And take the Muggles' freedom? Seriously, Sev?" asked Lily, furious.

"Ok, let's not talk about politics, guys. I'm not sure it's a great idea!" soothed Regina. "Plus, there are probably many things we cannot understand, yet! Anyway, I think it's a good idea, and I'd be curious to learn more things about Muggles, as would be Sev, I'm sure."

Severus didn't answer but didn't object either this time. Lily looked at them, dubitative, but dropped the subject. As soon as they made their choices, they went to Diagon Alley with the Evans to buy their new books. Regina had never seen other parents so blessed and enthusiastic about buying books for their children.

They were all walking on the street when they passed in front of the pet shop. Regina froze. She had always dreamed of getting an owl, but she knew her parents would never allow it. And they couldn't afford it, even if they had.

"What is it, Gina?" asked Mrs. Evans, concerned.

"It's nothing, I was just looking at the owls" apologetically smiled the brunette.

Severus and Lily looked sympathetically at her, knowing her desire, but didn't stop. They had to buy new robes. Mr Evans accompanied them, but Mrs Evans stayed with her.

"Why don't you buy one, honey?"

"I can't" regretfully said Regina. "I can't afford it."

"Don't be silly, we could buy you one! You deserve it for your results! And we can call it a Christmas present in advance!" joyfully proposed the woman.

Regina vigorously refused.

"No, Mrs Evans, please. I would never… it is nothing really! There are plenty of owls at the castle, anyway!"

Mrs Evans was about to protest when they were interrupted by a shy "hi". They both turned around quickly, and Regina saw…

"Emma!" she brightly smiled at the girl.

"You really do know my name, after all" happily answered Emma.

Regina reddened and didn't answer her.

"Mrs Evans, this is Emma Swan, a Gryffindor student. Miss Swan, this is Mrs Evans, Lily's mother."

Emma politely greeted the woman (who was obviously charmed with the girl), and they exchanged some casualties before Mrs Evans excused herself and told Regina to meet them at Madam Malkin's.

"What are you doing here? I thought students bought their furniture at the end of the summer!" exclaimed Regina.

"Then I guess I could ask you the same question" smiled the blonde girl.

"We always come at the beginning of the summer, to be able to train during the vacations" explained Regina.

"I thought this was forbidden!" said Emma, surprised.

"It normally is, but the Ministry of Magic can't know it if you live in a wizard's house, since they can't know who performs the magic. This way, nobody knows that we're doing something forbidden. Anyway, why are you here?"

"I have to work this summer. It is the only time I could come here, I'm beginning tomorrow" winced Emma.

"Then how will you pay for your stuff?"

"With the money left from last summer" smiled the girl.

"You have enough?" asked Regina, doubtful and concerned.

"Look at you, all worried about me." Teased the Gryffindor. "To answer your question, yes I have enough, and at the end of the summer I'll be rich!" she joyfully said.

"Where do you work?" asked Regina, curious.

"On a private beach. Customers aren't cheap on tips!"

They smiled at each other, and Regina turned around to look at the owls.

"You want a pet?" asked curiously Emma.

"Why didn't you talk to me since Christmas?"

The question had slipped from her mouth before she could take it back. She cursed herself and bit her lips, waiting for an answer.

"Well, I was with the guys and… we had a lot to do. We learnt that Re… I mean we learnt some things, and we got caught up with that, and then I was all the time with them, and since you don't like each other, I didn't dare…" she rambled, embarrassed.

"It's ok I understand" interrupted Regina. "Although I really can't understand why you're hanging out with them… what did you want to talk about two weeks ago, by the way?"

Emma seemed even more embarrassed, now.

"I completely forgot! Is it an owl you want?" she changed the subject.

"It is" answered the brunette.

"Well, why don't you buy it?"

"Because I can't afford it." Shrugged Regina.

"Why don't you work, then?" suggested Emma.

"Because I wouldn't be able to train if I did"

"And it's important to train, because…?"

"Because if you don't, you get bad grades." Answered Regina.

"And it's important to have good grades, because…?"

"You're impossible, Miss Swan! I don't even know why I'm talking to you!" exclaimed Regina who didn't look really annoyed with Emma's questions.

Emma laughed and answered:

"Well sorry to bother you, Your Majesty. Although I'm pretty sure you talk to me because you enjoy my company" playfully said Emma.

"Only in your dreams, Swan" teased Regina.

"I know. I usually sleep very well at night" winked the blonde girl.

Regina snored, but couldn't help feeling surprised and happy to hear the girl's answer.

"At least you don't always have bad tastes when it comes to your acquaintances" she smugly said.

"I'm taking it as an insult at my friends" smiled Emma.

"And you're not completely stupid! My, my, Miss Swan! Really, you're full of surprises today! I will maybe consider thinking you're not a complete waste." Smirked Regina.

"Careful, Regina. If you keep on improving so much on your feelings about me, next year you'll be in love with me!" sniggered Emma.

Regina looked at Emma, surprised that Emma had dared say that.

"Are you insinuating that girls can fall in love with girls, Swan?"

"You're maybe the one who isn't completely stupid after all, Snape!" winked Emma.

"I am not stupid, Em-ma. I was just surprised." Stated Regina.

"Surprised that homosexuality exists?"

"Surprised that you would consider it. I didn't picture you as the lesbian type" teased Regina. And this time, it was her who winked.

Emma's mouth fell open, but she quickly recovered.

"Well, I guess there is a lot you don't know about me, Snape." She slowly said, smirking. "Have a good day." She smugly added.

And with that, she left. Regina just stared at her. She entered a shop, and she kept on looking at the door, flabbergasted. This year will be fun, she thought.

When she arrived at Madam Malkin's, they were all waiting for her. So she got measured right away.

"Mom told us you met Emma?" asked Lily.

"We did" confirmed Regina.

"What did she say?" continued Severus, curious.

Regina thought about the conversation and pondered telling them the truth. She finally opted for honesty.

"She basically told me she was into girls" she murmured.

"That's not really a scoop" smirked Lily.

"What? What do you mean?" urged Regina, eager to know.

"She kissed Amy, last week!" explained Lily, calmly.

"SHE DID WHAT?"

On a second thought, maybe I said that a little too loudly, she thought. Severus winced, and looked at his sister with sorrow in his eyes.

"Hey, calm down" whispered Lily. "No need to scream! Do you like her?" she suddenly understood.

"Of course not. I was just surprised you hadn't told that before is all…" muttered Regina.

Lily seemed doubtful but answered anyway.

"Yes well, I completely forgot"

"Who's this Amy?" asked nonchalantly Regina, hoping they wouldn't perceive the storm raging in her head.

"Amy McDonald! You know, my roommate? Ring any bells?"

"Oh, yeah. I remember" smiled Regina bitterly.

So they sleep in the same room…

"At least it won't be too shocking for other students when I start dating girls" she tried to joke. But even in her own ears, the joke seemed false. Lily didn't notice, or pretended not to, but Severus had, and he smiled empathically at her again. She thanked him in her head for not making things even more awkward with innuendos. Maybe the year won't be that fun, after all.

They trained all summer long. At first, Regina tried not to think about Emma. She focused so much on her magic and her "family" that she had no time to think about anything else. Plus, she had to convince her parents to sign the authorisation form to allow the twins to go to Hogsmeade. And it had not been an easy task. But they had succeeded.

At the end of the summer though, she thought about the start of the school year, and she couldn't help thinking about the blonde girl. As much as she tried not to feel betrayed, she did. She kept repeating herself that Emma had never said anything to lead her on, but she failed believing it. Even the first time they had talked, something had sparkled between them, even though they were arguing! She kept thinking that she had kissed Daniel… Emma hadn't done anything she hadn't tried herself… yet, you don't sleep in the same room, that sneaky little voice in her head reminded her. She promised herself to ignore Emma from now on. To never speak to her ever again. Eventually, she would stop thinking about her, and everything would be fine.

On the 1st of September, the Evans drove them all at King's Cross again. The parents hugged them tightly, proposing the twins to come back for Christmas if they wanted to. They recommended them to be nice, and to keep on the great work. Regina's tears dropped on her face, seeing all that love her own parents should have for both of them.

They parted ways, oh so regretfully, and got on the train. They waved the Evans goodbye, and when they couldn't see them anymore, they went in search of a compartment. On their way, they passed in front of the Rascals' one. As soon as Regina saw Potter, she diverted her eyes, already knowing who was probably sitting with him. They found a compartment right after that one, and settled in.

"Probably should have kept on looking for a compartment, though… Sitting so near those jerks isn't a good idea" said Severus.

"Please, Sev. We won't avoid them! We don't care about them, they don't exist, remember?" Lily protested.

"I wish" muttered her brother, but Lily didn't hear.

Regina agreed with her brother, though. She wasn't comfortable sitting there. And she was right. Ten seconds later, Emma knocked on their door and came in without being invited. Regina immediately looked at the window, pretending to focus on the landscapes.

"Hey" Emma smiled awkwardly.

"Hi" answered nicely her friends.

"Hum… I just wanted to know if you had spent a nice summer" the blonde girl said, embarrassed.

"It was nice. How was yours?" gently retorted Lily.

"It was okay… I'll um… I'll leave you alone, now" she stuttered, and then closed the door.

"Okay… well Regina, you know sweetie, I'm pretty sure she won't understand why you're being an ass with her" calmly stated Lily.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Lil"

"Sure you do. Contrary to what you may think, I'm not completely oblivious to people's feelings."

"Aren't you now?" smirked Regina.

Severus cleared his throat and Lily reddened.

"It's okay to be jealous…" gently tried again Lily.

"I am not jealous. I am just a Slytherin and I don't see why I should be friends with a Gryffindor!" retorted Regina.

"I see. And what am I, Regina?" angrily asked Lily.

"Okay, we all calm down right now!" exclaimed Severus "Lily, this is none of our business. If Gina wants to talk about it, we'll be here to listen. But it's not our place to judge and even less to interfere, right?" he continued.

Regina could have kissed her brother.

"You're right. Regina I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Apologetically smiled Lily.

Regina softened right away.

"It's okay, Lil. There's nothing to say anyway"

"You know I love you, right? I just want you to be happy" she shyly added.

"I love you too, Lil." Answered Regina, filled with emotion.

Severus who seemed much moved as well, raised his wrist and asked:

"For ever, right?"

The two girls raised their wrists as well, where Lily's bracelets were attached, and exclaimed, brightly smiling:

"For ever!"

In this instant, it felt like a promise between family members to infinitely love each other. In this instant, it was all the three of them needed to be happy. In this instant, it felt like everything.

When they sat at their tables for the banquet, Lucius Malefoy sat right next to Severus and whispered to the twins:

"This is my last year here, guys." He paused. "Can I trust you two to keep my plans for next year a secret?"

"Of course you can" exclaimed the twins.

"I've been watching you a lot, you know. We had the Slug Club together, and you're two of my favourite Slytherin who created a spell in your first year" he fondly smiled at them. "This is why I'm warning you before anything else. Be careful who you're friends with. You may think this Muggle-Born is worth your friendship, but sooner or later, she'll deceive you."

"Thank you for your concern Lucius, but you're wrong. Is this your plans for next year? Warning us?" said Severus.

"No it's not, Sev. But be careful, she doesn't share your feelings, you know that."

Severus' features darkened.

"And how could you possibly know that, Lucius?" asked angrily Regina.

"I already told you, Gina. I've been watching you closely. Anyway, suit yourself. But remember my words. She'll disappoint you, sooner or later."

"What are your plans, Lucius?"

"I'm going to be a Death-Eater." He whispered.

"Well, it explains your warnings…" sarcastically said Regina.

"And I would like you to become Death-Eaters as well, once you've finished your studies. You're brilliant, and You-Know-Who deserves geniuses like you"

The twins smiled politely but didn't answer anything.

"With the dark magic your powers will be even greater than what they are now, trust me. Nobody will be able to stand a chance against you…"

"We'll think about it, thank you Lucius for thinking about us" said Regina.

She saw her brother looking at Potter thoughtfully and knew that Lucius' words had hit a soft spot. He hated Potter so much now, he would be ready to anything. I'll have to speak to him, thought Regina. She turned towards the Professors' table, and saw Dumbledore looking at her. He seemed to see right through her, as if he had guessed the subject of the discussion they just had with Lucius, and her thoughts about it. He smiled nicely at her, and she smiled back. He diverted his attention to the rest of the room, and asked for attention. The rest of the meal was uneventful – Regina took great care not to look at Emma, not even once – and the twins went to their dormitories in silence.

When they entered the common-room, Regina turned to Severus and asked him if they could talk.

"Let me guess… Lucius?" her brother whispered.

"Of course. Come sit with me?"

He nodded and they went in a corner of the room, where they would be able to speak without being heard, and away from prying eyes.

"So, what do you think about it, sis?" smiled Severus.

"I think it's bullshit, Sev. If Lily learns about that stuff, she'll refuse to speak to us again, and it'd be well deserved" she vehemently said.

Severus seemed lost in thought and didn't answer right away.

"I guess you're right" he finally murmured. "You really think she wouldn't talk to us anymore? Despite everything we already lived together?"

"Of course, she wouldn't, Sev! How would you react if you were her?" she asked disbelievingly.

"I… yes, you're right… but I must admit – and don't tell me you didn't think about it – that dark magic is attractive" he blushed.

"Why is it more attractive than light magic? We don't even know what dark magic is!" she protested.

"It's more attractive because it's challenging! We don't know anything about it! Plus, it looks like freedom to me…" he passionately explained.

"Freedom? How is it freedom?" Regina asked, surprised.

"I guess you have no boundaries when you perform the Dark Arts. Everything is possible, and nothing's forbidden, you know?"

"And what would it give you?"

"The power to destroy those who deserve to be…" muttered Severus so quietly, Regina almost didn't hear him.

"Don't talk like that, Severus. You're better than that. I strictly forbid you to ever murder anyone, you hear me?"

Severus looked remorsefully at her and promised.

"Good" she simply answered. "Now, let's go to bed, okay?"

They kissed goodnight and went upstairs.

"Hey, girl!" greeted Bellatrix when she entered the room.

"Hey, stranger" smiled gently Regina.

"Still helping me with Transfiguration this year?" she expectantly asked.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, you know it" laughed the brunette.

For the first time in two years, her first night in Hogwarts wasn't completely restless.

At breakfast, they joined Lily at the Gryffindor table.

"Have your timetables, yet?" asked enthusiastically Lily.

"Nope" answered Regina, looking down at her plate.

"Shouldn't be long before we do, though" smiled reassuringly Severus.

At that moment, McGonagall approached them, and gave Lily her schedule.

"You should go to your table, Snape. The Professor Slughorn is distributing yours" she said. Her words were cold, but as per usual, her eyes were soft.

The teens smiled at her, and asked Lily to save their seats. When they came back, they immediately compared their timetables.

"Ugh… looks like we only have Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures, this year" deplored Lily.

"Looks like it, indeed" answered Regina.

She couldn't help feeling relieved, though. This way, she wouldn't be constantly with Swan. Speaking of which… thought the brunette.

"Hi, guys" waved Emma smiling, when they walked near them with the band.

Regina didn't answer, didn't even raise her head to look at her. Lily and Severus politely answered. The Rascals sat not far away from them, and Lily and Severus kept on talking as if nothing had happened, but Regina listened to the Gryffindor band, discreetly.

"Since when do you say hi to the Slytherins?" asked Potter, shocked.

"Why wouldn't I?" asked back Emma, as if she wasn't completely listening to him.

"Well, for starters, they're Slytherins. Second, they're ridiculous. Third, they're insufferable. Fourth, they're polluting Lily." enounced Potter.

"Oh please, Lily's not polluted." Annoyingly answered Emma.

"Of course she is! She refuses to speak to us."

"First of all, she refuses to speak to you. She's very nice with Remus, Peter and I."

"What about me, Swan? Do you forget your best friend?" cynically asked Black.

"I'm her best friend, Sirius. Period." Intervened Potter.

Emma snorted and remained silent.

"James' right though, blondie. Why are you being nice with them?" asked Black.

"We've already talked about that, guys."

"We did, but we thought we had helped you with your confused thoughts." Retorted Potter.

"Plus, the Snape girl didn't even look at you" added sombrely Black.

"I know…" sadly answered the girl.

Lupin then asked her if she wanted some ham, and the conversation turned more casual. Regina thought about what she had just heard. She sounded sad when that douche told her I didn't look at her, she thought.

"Hey Gina, are you with us?" asked suddenly Lily.

"Yeah… yes! Sorry I'm with you" she stuttered.

"We have a class, now, honey" added Severus.

"What is it?"

"Care of Magical Creatures!" answered enthusiastically Severus. "Maybe we'll see horrible animals?" suggested her brother.

"Or unicorns" happily said Lily.

"Or boring stuff" muttered Regina.

It turned out that Regina was right. The Professor Kettleburn taught them how to feed Flobberworms… it resulted in giving some lettuce to giant worms. The three friends were completely bored by the end of the hour, already regretting their choices.

"I hope it won't be like that for the four next years" angrily said Regina.

"It's a complete waste of time" confirmed Severus.

"And it's on Mondays, first thing in the morning" complained Lily.

"We're screwed" they all said at the same time, categorically. They laughed and went to their next classes.

At 4 p.m. they met again for their Transfiguration class. They were entering the class, when Regina suddenly whispered to Lily, as indifferent as possible:

"You haven't showed me this Amy girl, yet"

"It's the one over there" murmured Lily, showing her a brunette with glasses.

She's ugly, thought Regina. She snored at seeing the teenager, and Severus and Lily shared a knowing smile with her. The lesson began, and the three friends changed their hedgehog into a pincushion at the first try. McGonagall paired them with the three habitual students.

"And you're back with me" sarcastically said Bellatrix.

"Seems like I am…" smiled back Regina.

"Okay so what should I feel now to transform this animal, Professor?"

At the third time, Bellatrix had got it, and had produced a perfect pincushion.

"You know Bella, you're quite talented. I don't understand why you can't do this on your own!" exclaimed Regina.

"Maybe I can but I prefer being paired with you" winked the girl.

Regina blushed and answered:

"And other students could need my help more than you do"

"But you wouldn't have as much fun as with me, would you?" snored Bellatrix.

"Maybe not" admitted Regina.

McGonagall stopped at their table, and asked surprised:

"Did you do this, Snape?"

"Bellatrix did it, Professor"

McGonagall asked the Slytherin girl to do it again, and she succeeded.

"Impressive" commented the teacher, "looks like you have teaching qualities, Regina. Why don't you two help other students? Black, you pair with Swan, and Snape pair with Avery"

"May I pair with Avery, Professor?" interrupted Bellatrix. Seeing the raised eyebrows of the teacher she tried to explain "I don't really get along with Swan, and I'm sure I would have better results with someone I like, wouldn't I?"

Regina greeted her teeth and said:

"You underestimate yourself Bellatrix, I'm sure you'd help Swan just fine"

"Enough." Said McGonagall. "Snape, you go with Swan"

Without giving her the time to protest, McGonagall was gone. Bellatrix sniggered victoriously.

"Good luck with the Gryffindor, dear"

Regina closed her eyes, and inhaled deeply. You can do this, you don't have to talk to her. She sat next to Emma, and said passively without looking at her:

"McGonagall wants us to pair. What are your results, so far?"

"As you can see, not much." Answered gently Emma.

"Ok, so here's the thing. You have to think about…"

"Is there a particular reason why you don't look at me when you speak?" asked angrily Emma.

"I don't see what you're talking about, Swan. Now focus on what you have to do. Think about…"

"Look at me, Regina" calmly stated Emma.

"Can't you just focus on…"

"No, I can't, now look at me!" exclaimed the blonde.

Regina angrily raised her eyes, and met the green ones.

"Better?" she annoyingly asked.

"Much. Now explain why you won't talk to me anymore"

"What am I doing right now, Swan?" she asked exasperated.

"Stop playing the fool, Snape" angrily said Emma.

"Then stop acting like one, Swan and listen to me for Christ's sakes."

They stared intensely at each other, neither of them wanting to break the eye-contact first.

"Is it about what I said to you this summer? You're scared now?" suddenly asked Emma, challengingly.

"What are you talking about?" asked Regina sincerely surprised.

"Are you afraid of me being a lesbian?" she whispered, barely hiding the fact that she was furious.

"Please, Swan don't be absurd" snored Regina, finally diverting her eyes.

"I'm the one who's being absurd? I thought we could be friends! And you're here judging me about…"

"I'm not judging you about anything, okay?" interrupted Regina. "Now can we go back…"

"No, we can't. I want you to admit it, first!" forcefully said Emma.

"I'm not admitting something that's completely untrue, Swan. I couldn't care less about you being gay, and I would be completely misplaced to judge you about that, okay?" she angrily added.

"What is that supposed to mean?" asked Emma, dumbfounded.

"I think you perfectly know what it means. Now, will you listen to me?"

Emma nodded quietly, intensively fixing her, and Regina explained to her what to do. At the end of the hour, Emma had a pincushion in front of her. She went back to her place without complementing her or anything, and waited for McGonagall to tell them to go. When she did, Regina went to her and said:

"Professor, may I talk to you in private?"

"Of course, Snape. I'm listening" she gently said. "Congratulations for Swan, you really do have teaching potentialities."

"Thank you, Professor. This is what I wanted to talk to you about. I'd rather not pair with Emma Swan again" she tentatively explained.

"Why not?" the teacher asked, surprised.

"Personal matters?" she tried.

McGonagall severely looked at her.

"I suppose you wouldn't ask me this if this wasn't well-founded?"

Regina exhaled, relieved.

"Absolutely, Professor" she confirmed.

McGonagall nodded, and told her she could leave.

For the entire week, Regina completely ignored Emma, and never looked at her. McGonagall never paired her with the blonde girl again, and the rare lessons they had in common were spent at ignoring each other. On Friday night, on their way to the Great Hall for the diner, Lily suddenly said:

"You'll never guess who will try to enter the Gryffindor's team, tomorrow!"

"Who?" Severus asked. Regina knew he was afraid the answer would be "Black".

"Emma."

Regina kept an impassive face and didn't comment it. Lily and Severus did the same and dropped the subject. It turned out that Emma made it. She was now one of the three Gryffindor Chasers. Regina wondered why she had decided to enter the team now, but never spoke about it, and acted like everything was normal.

On the following Sunday, the twins were waiting for Lily to eat their breakfast. When she arrived, she looked exhausted.

"Everything's alright, Lil?" Severus asked worryingly.

"Everything would be fine if I hadn't any roommates" she angrily sighed.

"What's wrong?" Regina said, suddenly realising that she was maybe talking about Emma.

"Amy cried all night long…" she answered, slowly and carefully.

Regina didn't dare ask why. It's none of your concern, she thought.

"Why's that?" Severus asked, curious.

"Something with Emma not being in love with her" Lily muttered.

Regina snored but didn't say anything. Lily glared at her, disbelievingly.

"And Emma also asked me why you didn't talk to her, anymore. I really don't understand why you just don't, Gina" she said, annoyed.

Regina rolled her eyes and stubbornly remained silent. The truth was she didn't want to speak with Emma. She was afraid to feel something for her. Something that'd be a little more than friendship. First it was terrifying because she had never felt that way before, and she didn't know what to expect. Second, she knew she would never be in peace, knowing Emma slept in the same room as a girl she had kissed, if she ever allowed herself to have feelings for the blonde girl. Better keep ignoring her, she thought.

The days passed. The Slug Club was as awkward as before, with Emma sitting right next to her, and ignoring her as much as Regina did. Besides Emma, Regina was more and more afraid about the obvious feelings of Potter towards her best friend. Severus also knew it, and he was becoming more and more withdrawn.

The first day they'd spend in Hogsmeade was almost there and Regina couldn't wait for it. Although, before going, there was the first game of Quidditch they'd have to watch. Gryffindor was playing against Hufflepuff. Which meant that Emma would play against Daniel. She wished with all she had that Hufflepuff would win. This way, she wouldn't witness the Rascals' smug faces, and maybe Potter wouldn't be so much of a threat in her brother's mind. She fell asleep thinking about all this.

In the morning she was stressed about the match without knowing why. For the breakfast, they sat not far away from Potter and his band, and Regina could hear them talk without being noticed.

"Come on, Em'! You have to eat something!" Black advised, concerned.

"I'm not hungry" she said.

"It's okay, to be stressed, Emma" Lupin said gently.

"I don't know what I was thinking" she rambled, on edge "What if I make a fool out of myself?"

"You won't" Potter assured. "You're the best Chaser of the team, Swan. Plus, Remus will need the victory for comfort" he added.

"Very true. I won't be able to go to Hogsmeade, you owe me at least 40 points, Em" he joyfully said.

"We saw you play, blondie. And not only are you the most beautiful girl of the team, but you're also the best!" exclaimed Black.

Regina winced. So he thinks she's beautiful, she thought.

"Hey! What about me?" Potter said, offended.

"You aren't quite bad either! And unless you consider yourself a girl, my statement didn't include you" Black snored.

"You're the best Seeker of the school" Pettigrew said vehemently, with a sort of veneration.

"Or the best Seeker of the team" Lupin said playfully.

"I'm the only one of the team!" Potter remarked.

Their banter lasted for a while, and it seems to cheer up Emma. Besides the fact that Potter and Black were completely full of themselves, Lupin seemed to be a very nice guy. Pettigrew is ridiculous, though. What is wrong with Lily? How can she like him? she thought. So how comes kind-hearted persons like Emma and Remus would want to hang out with persons like Potter and Black? Sure, they seemed funny, but they weren't good people…

The match was awful for the trio. First, Daniel waved and winked at Regina when they started to play. Second, Emma scored the first ten points less than ten seconds later, and pointedly looked at Regina, a little challenging. Finally, Gryffindor won the game in fifteen minutes. Potter had caught the Golden Snitch right next to Daniel's calve, and Emma had scored 60 more points. They had won 220-0. The Gryffindor supporters were ecstatic, and had two names in their mouths: Emma Swan and James Potter.

The two players did a lap of honour and Potter stopped in front of Lily saying:

"You're my inspiration, Evans! This one's for you!"

Emma was right behind him, and was glaring at Regina. The brunette raised her right eyebrow at her, a silent question to her behaviour. Emma rolled her eyes, and smiled tentatively. Regina diverted her gaze and looked at her brother. The two players were gone, and Severus looked at his shoes murderously. She tried to squeeze his hand, but he took it away from her. She felt highly offended that her brother would do such a thing to her.

"Let's get out of here" Lily said.

On their way back to the castle, she added:

"I think we should stop going to Gryffindor's games. If it is for us to feel bad afterwards, it's no use"

"Come on, Lil. It's your team, and you always loved Quidditch" uncertainly tried Regina.

"I know. But I hate it when we all feel bad like that" she explained.

"Really? Because you're feeling bad, Evans?" Severus said, emphasizing the Evans, his anger barely hidden.

"Since when do you call me by my surname?" Lily asked, surprised.

Severus didn't answer and Lily went away, offended.

"You should go talk to her" Regina suggested.

"I don't want to talk to her" Severus snapped at her.

"You really want to feel miserable, Sev? It's not by offending us that you'll feel better, you know" she angrily answered.

He looked at her, and seemed to soften. He took her hand and led her to the lake.

"I'm sorry Gina" he quietly said.

"I know you are. Don't let him get the best of you, Sev" she said.

"I can't help it. He's here, with everything. He's quite a good student, he's the Quidditch champion, he has loving parents, and loving friends, and…" he seemed to struggle with himself to add something but he remained silent.

"And you're the best student, you have an adoring sister – which he doesn't – and Lily's your friend, not his. She despises him. Although you should talk to her if you don't want her to reconsider your friendship" she told him, matter-of-factly.

"Regina, how do you think I am?" he blurted out.

"What do you mean?" asked the girl.

"Physically. How do you think I am physically?"

"I think you'll be quite handsome growing up if you don't cloak yourself with your pride and deceptions"

"It doesn't mean anything…" he said annoyed.

"Sure, it does. You're not ready to realise it yet, that's all" she smiled at him.

"I'll go talk to Lily." he murmured.

"Good idea, baby bro" she brightly smiled.

He went away, looking for their friend, and she stayed alone, still sitting in front of the lake. She thought about everything that had occurred, and felt completely lost. An hour probably had passed without her noticing, when she realised she was not alone anymore. In fact, many persons were there. In the distance, she even saw Potter's band. She gritted her teeth. Amy was talking with Emma. She seemed a little desperate. It's pathetic, Regina thought. Black and Potter were sniggering at their friend, and Regina couldn't help acting the same way. Suddenly, Amy left in her direction. Emma caught her up, close enough for Regina to understand what they were talking about.

"Fine, I'm sorry" Emma was saying.

Regina couldn't see Amy's face, but turned to Emma. The latter saw Regina and diverted her gaze immediately, apparently furious at her. She then told the girl:

"And you know what? You're right. I shouldn't have kissed her without talking to you first"

"Thank you for admitting it. Have a good day, Emma"

When she left, Amy had tears in her eyes. But Regina focused on Emma, furious to learn that she had kissed some other girl, and wondered who it could be. Emma glared back at her, challengingly again.

"You seem to be a real heartbreaker, Swan" Regina smirked, hiding the betrayal she felt.

"I do tend to have an effect on the girls" she smirked back.

"Not all of them, if it is of any comfort for you" Regina lied.

"Maybe I would if you were attracted to girls" Emma said, annoyed, less effectively hiding her anger.

"Is your skull really that thick, Swan? I am attracted to girls. You're just not my type" she snored with bad faith.

Emma's eyes were hurt and disappointed for one second, before she hid it and said, amused:

"So Her Majesty is attracted to girls, huh? Who would have thought?"

"You would have if you were smart enough" smirked Regina.

"Well, you already made clear what you think of my intellectual capacities" murmured Emma.

"Luckily for you, you seem to have other skills, Swan"

"Are you saying I'm attractive, Snape?" smiled mischievously Emma.

"Hardly. I'm merely referring to the public display you've just acted with Miss McDonald" coldly replied the brunette.

Emma sniggered and answered:

"Sure. She's quite jealous"

"Usually, a woman is when she's cheated on…"

"First, we're thirteen, we're not women per se. Second, we weren't together, I don't owe her anything." Stated coldly the blonde girl.

"First, I'm almost fourteen, and trust I consider myself a woman. Second, don't kiss girls you don't want to date, Miss Swan. Congratulations for your game."

Regina stood up, staring at Emma, and left. God, I'd never noticed before how beautiful she is, she thought.

"Wait Regina!"

She turned around, exasperated.

"What now, Swan?"

Emma seemed very uncomfortable and blushed.

"I thought… uh… maybe you would want to… I dunno, go to Hogsmeade with me tomorrow?" she stammered.

Regina's face remained impassive. Inside, she was completely astonished.

"Are you asking me out?" she coldly asked.

"What? No… I was… I thought… maybe we could talk?" Emma quickly answered.

"Haven't you another girl you'd want to talk to, now?" Regina was more and more surprised.

"Who? Ruby? Nah, it was just a kiss on the heat of the moment, you know… we had just won, and she kissed me, but it meant nothing, and…

"Are you justifying yourself to me?" asked Regina, amused now.

"I don't know, Regina. Am I?" she answered angrily.

"How would I know? Well, I'm flattered of your invitation, but I already have plans for tomorrow."

The truth was, now Emma had kissed two girls. Regina was more jealous than what she could admit even to herself, and she wanted Emma to be jealous too. She was overjoyed to hear her answer.

"Really? Do your plans involve another girl?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but yes, they do include another woman, Miss Swan."

"And who's that?" angrily asked Emma.

"Bellatrix. I suppose you know her, she's your friend's cou…"

"I know who Black is, Snape" interrupted Emma. "Have fun, then"

She turned around, obviously pissed off and walked to her friends. Regina was torn between pride and remorse on her way back to the castle. Pride because Emma was obviously attracted to her, and truth be told, she was by far the most beautiful girl of the school. But remorse because Bellatrix had no idea of this all, and she had used her for a very private issue to which she had no interest. Bella doesn't even know I'm attracted to girls, she shamefully thought. When she arrived in front of her common room, Severus and Lily were talking, a little awkward:

"Everything's alright, here?" Regina smiled.

"Everything's fine, honey" answered Lily.

"You seem a little out of it, though" pointed out her brother.

Regina pondered it, and finally said:

"Let's go inside, I'll tell you what this is about"

She then explained what had happened with Emma. Severus smirked, affirming that she had been right. Lily didn't say anything and just looked at her, disapprovingly.

"Should I ask Bellatrix out, now?"

"You're really going to kiss someone you don't want to kiss, just to make Emma jealous?" Lily asked, angry.

"Maybe I am" Regina answered provocatively.

"Fine, but if you wanna do things like that, I'd rather not hear your stories anymore, Regina" Lily sighed.

She stood up and left the Slytherin common-door.

"I think you're the one who needs to speak to Lily, now…" Severus smiled.

"What did you two talk about?" Regina asked.

"Nothing much. I apologized for my behaviour and she softened. And then, we talked about the Slug Club…" he honestly answered.

"Why won't you admit your feelings to her, yet?"

"I don't know what you're talking about" eluded Severus, blushing.

She dropped the subject, and they talked about Hogsmeade.

"Hey Bella, come over here!" suddenly exclaimed Severus.

Regina reddened and reproachfully looked at her brother who smirked.

"Hey guys!" Bella said, a little sarcastically.

"Would you join us tomorrow?" proposed Severus.

"To go to Hogsmeade?"

"Yep"

"Sure! Unless there'll be your Muggle-Born. You know I don't like them." She warned.

Severus looked at Regina. The latter said:

"Well, Severus will be with Lily, but we can part ways, and go on our own, Bella" she smiled.

"Great!" exclaimed the brunette, smiling.

The day at Hogsmeade was uneventful. She had thought it'd be funny, but it wasn't much. Sure the shops were pretty impressive and she had enjoyed it, but as soon as she had seen Emma with Ruby, holding hands, her euphoria had dropped. At diner, she had seen Emma and Ruby sitting next to each other and it had made her sick. For the following weeks, Emma and Ruby relationship had been the subject of all the gossips.

"So… what do you think of the most famous relationship of the school?" Bellatrix asked Regina during the class of Care of Magical Creatures.

"What do you want me to think about it?" Regina said, annoyed.

"I don't know… you're not shocked to see two girls together?" Bella tried nonchalantly.

"Hardly" the brunette sniggered.

"Really?" Bellatrix asked, joyful. "Would you be into girls, too?"

"What if I were?" Regina said, challengingly.

"Well, it'd be nice" smiled the Slytherin girl.

"What?!"

"You heard me, Snape" winked Bellatrix.

"Are you… a lesbian?" Regina whispered.

"I wouldn't say lesbian, honey. I'm secretly dating Rodolphus… But I wouldn't be opposed to… try something with someone like you, though" Bellatrix winked at her.

Regina was completely dumbfounded. She'd have never thought someone could be so straightforward. After several seconds, she sniggered:

"Good to know, Black"

Bellatrix playfully kissed her on the cheek and went back to listen at the professor. She turned towards her brother who was looking at her proudly.

"Looks like you'll have your revenge on Gryffindor after all" he whispered in her ear.

"It looks like it, indeed" smiled Regina, delighted.

"And just so you know…" he kept on whispering in her ear "she saw the kiss, and her wand produced red sparks… I don't know if it's an interesting piece of information to you, but I thought I'd say it anyway"

He then looked at her, and they both laughed mischievously, reproducing some evil laughs they'd hear when they were kids. The class looked at them quizzically and Potter muttered, loud enough for the twins to hear:

"Told you they were crazy"

"Oh yes, because you are so perfect, Potter" Severus replied.

"I wouldn't say perfect" Black answered "But better and prettier than you? That's for sure"

"Because the question needed to be answered? I thought that was implied." Potter added.

"Truthfully? You're disgusting, Potter. You may seem better to a fool like Black, but to us, you're nothing. And certainly no better than Severus" Lily threateningly whispered.

Regina snored and Severus stared at Potter, provocatively.

"You're hurting my feelings, Evans" the Gryffindor boy complained.

"You should probably stop trying so hard, Potter" Severus advised him "Lily is only interested in smart boys" he smiled victoriously.

"What is she doing with you, then?" Black replied coldly.

Severus didn't reply, and kept on looking at Potter, smiling. Regina felt proud of her brother. Surely after this, Potter would back off.

She couldn't have been more wrong. The boy had lived this altercation as a new challenge, and didn't miss a single occasion to make fun of Severus or try to make a fool of himself. The weeks passed and Severus became more and more despising and touchy about the Rascals. They'd often argue with Lily about them, the latter being fed up with hearing about them all the time. Severus spent more time with Mulciber and Avery, talking about dark magic and new spells they could create. Regina thought that it was probably to know some things Potter never would. To try one way or another to beat him. He didn't need it considering the fact that he was a better student than Potter (even if the latter was fairly good too) but Severus needed to prove himself. And for the first time, it directly affected the trio's friendship. Lily also spent more time on her own with Emma and Ruby. Regina couldn't help feeling betrayed by that, and resented the young girl. Consequently, she was more and more lonely. She didn't want to stay with Mulciber and Avery, even though they had offered it.

This often left her with Bellatrix and some other Slytherins. She didn't enjoy their company all the time, though. She missed Lily and Severus, and the easy friendship they had. But she was angry at Lily for her betrayal and Severus was too preoccupied with his new friends.

One night, she was crying herself to sleep, when Bellatrix came in her bed. She didn't say anything but hugged her tight. She felt less lonely and very thankful for the gesture. One soft caress leading to another, they ended up kissing. The kisses were sweet and far better than the ones she had shared with Daniel. She enjoyed it, but it didn't change the fact that she wasn't attracted to her friend the way she was to Emma. It changed her mind enough to fall asleep peacefully, though. When she woke up, Bellatrix was still there, sleeping. She didn't know how to react, and wondered if she should leave. But then, it would be even more awkward afterwards, wouldn't it? So she stayed there, thinking hard, and waiting for the brunette to wake up. When she finally did, Bella didn't say a word, but smiled, winked at her, stood up and went to her bed to change. Regina felt relieved and they went to take their breakfast together. They sat, and Regina stared regretfully and sadly at the table she used to sit at for two years.

"Let's not make a big deal out of it, shall we?" suddenly said Bellatrix.

It took Regina a few seconds to understand what she was speaking about.

"Oh. No, of course not, don't worry" she smiled.

"So, what are you gonna do for the holidays?" Bella changed the subject.

"I'm probably staying here…" Regina sombrely replied. "What will you do?"

"I'll go back home. And we'll spend Christmas at my aunt's."

"Isn't your aunt Sirius Black's mother?" suddenly asked Regina.

"Yes, it is" Bellatrix answered enthusiastically.

"Do you know why your cousin wasn't home last Christmas, then?" asked Regina, curious.

Bellatrix laughed and answered:

"My aunt banned him from her home when she learnt he was a Gryffindor"

"Isn't he a little depressed?"

"He doesn't care at all. He has no heart. He hates his own mother, and doesn't understand what Pure-Blood or family means" Bellatrix replied coldly and hatefully.

"It appears to me your aunt doesn't know either, considering the fact that she banned him for the simple fact he's a Gryffindor" stated Regina.

Bellatrix haughtily looked at her and icily replied:

"You don't know what you're talking about, Snape"

Regina reddened and didn't add anything. But that night when she cried, Bella was there again.

It was the last day before the holidays and Regina was with Bellatrix, when Lily came to her, smiling. Emma and Ruby were waiting behind her. They were all about to begin the Transfiguration class.

"Hey" said Lily.

"Hi" answered Regina coldly.

"My parents are asking if you want to come home for Christmas" tentatively said Lily.

"They're very kind, thank them for me. But no, thank you."

"Okay. How are you doing?" she smiled again.

Regina couldn't take it anymore. She didn't answer and ran away. How things could have changed so quickly? How was it possible for their trio to be so broken, now? She sat near the lake, at the spot Lily, Severus and her used to sit, and cried. She felt two pair of arms hugging her but didn't turn around, unsuccessfully trying to stop crying.

"I'm so sorry, baby" Severus whispered in her ear, crying.

"I too, honey" Lily said in the same tone.

Regina finally turned around, and the three of them hugged tightly, still crying. Several minutes passed, during which they silently exchanged all the things they couldn't voice. When they detached, they looked at each other, tears filling their eyes.

"I'm so sorry" they all said at the same time.

They tearfully smiled at each other, and Regina asked:

"What happened to us?"

"I think we needed time on our own…" slowly answered Lily.

"I missed you two so much" admitted Severus.

They were about to cry again, so Lily subtly changed the subject.

"Me too, and I would like to know everything that happened between you and Bellatrix, Missy"

Severus snored and Lily smirked. Regina looked at them dumbfounded.

"How do you know that?" she exclaimed.

"The whole school knows about it, sweetie" gently answered Severus.

"How is that possible?"

"You have roommates who can hear you… you do realise that, don't you?" sniggered Lily.

They laughed, as if everything was forgot and forgiven, and they felt a huge weight fall off their shoulders.

"There is nothing to say. She heard me cry one night and she came to me, and we kissed and that's it" she said.

Her two friends seemed really ill-at-ease, now.

"Do you often kiss?" tried Severus.

"Every time she hears me… cry" she whispered.

"And… how often is that?" asked Lily, concerned.

"Every night?" Regina admitted, ashamed.

"Oh baby" Lily murmured.

And the three of them hugged again. Not parting from each other, Lily whispered:

"Will you two come home for Christmas, please?"

They finally detached once again, and the twins looked at each other.

"Okay" they smiled at Lily.

Their friend beamed, and thanked them.

"It'll be great, you'll see!" she exclaimed.

And it was. The Christmas they spent with the Evans was by far the best of their lives. They laughed, hugged, kissed, and talked so much, they felt full of love until the end of the year, afterwards. Even Petunia wasn't so bad. They couldn't perform magic, since they were in a Muggle house, but they enjoyed themselves very much. Regina received a letter from Bellatrix, asking her if it was true that she was spending Christmas with Muggles. Angry, she didn't even answer her. The Evans were so nice to the twins, that they felt as if they were their own kids. Lily criticized Potter and Black greatly, and Severus had never seemed so happy. Lily's parents offered a beautiful dress robe to her brother, telling him he would look awesome wearing it for his first ball.

"That's great! We'll have one next year at the Slug Club!" he exclaimed enthusiastically.

When she opened her own present, Regina burst into tears.

"It's from all of us, sweetie" hugged her Mrs Evans.

A beautiful golden baby owl was her present.

"It's a male" added Mr Evans, fondly.

Regina hugged the five persons so tightly it took their breath away. Even Petunia.

"Thank you so much" she whispered, still crying.

"What will you call him?" Lily asked joyfully.

Regina thought about it for a moment and said:

"May I call him Evan? This way he will be a member of our family" she shyly murmured.

This brought tears into everyone's eyes, and the Evans seemed much moved by her words.

"This will be our honour to share our names with him" tearfully said Mr Evans.

The rest of the week passed far too quickly for the trio's liking. The goodbyes were difficult, and they regretfully left.

"You come back whenever you want to" whispered Mrs Evans to the twins.

Thankfully, their routine began again, as if nothing had happened. The trio was once again inseparable when they could be together, and Regina never mentioned Emma's name when she was with Lily. The three of them took great care of Evan, who was a strong little owl one month later. The first letter he brought was addressed to the Evans. Regina loved him dearly, and her friends too.

Bellatrix never came back in her bed, and merely greeted her when she was seeing her, but Regina didn't care. Everything was back to normal. On their trip to Hogsmeade, they were all together, as they should have been the first time, and Regina was perfectly happy. They bought many things to Evan: a bigger cage, sweets, toys and gloves (for Regina to carry him when he'd grow up).

"He will be the most spoiled owl in the universe" teased Severus.

"True, but he's also the most loved" added Lily.

"And the most beautiful" concluded Regina.

"And this is an absolutely objective statement" laughed Severus.

"Of course it is!" exclaimed Lily.

When they went back to the castle, they crossed the way of Potter and Black.

"Girls… there's something I need to tell you" whispered Severus.

Lily apprehensively looked at him.

"I think I know what's wrong with Lupin. Have you noticed that one time a month he disappears?"

"Yes?" said Lily.

"And Ruby disappears at the same time?"

"I'd never noticed before, to be honest" calmly said Regina, even though the girl's name made her cringe.

"Well the both of them always disappear the day following the full moon… I double checked" he murmured.

"Are you suggesting that they're werewolves?" disbelievingly said Lily.

"You perfectly know this is exactly what I'm suggesting" he answered.

Lily and Regina looked at each other, surprised.

"Well, what if they are? Maybe Ruby will eat Emma, and we'll all get rid of her" smirked Regina.

"Gina! Don't say that" said Lily, offended.

"Sorry, Lil. Forgot she was one of your new best friends" Regina replied, a little offended.

"You know what? Yes, maybe she's my best friend. What's wrong about it?"

Regina furiously blushed and tried to walk away.

"Gina, stop! Where are you going?" tried Lily.

"Leaving you alone with my replacement" said Regina, furious.

"I'm pretty sure I talked about a best friend, not a sister" calmly said Lily.

"I'm not your sister, Lily" Regina said tearfully.

"Don't be stupid, you know I consider you as a sister. We've known each other for six years, and we're barely fourteen. And my parents consider you two as their children" she said, vaguely annoyed.

"But since when Emma's your best friend?" Regina persisted.

"Since I found out she's a great friend, and a good person"

"Who obviously hangs out with the wrong ones" added Severus.

"She says they're good people in the inside. But she agrees with us that their behaviour is awful. Gina, you should talk to her"

"Why would I do that?"

"Because you wouldn't be so on edge if you had no feelings for her" Lily wisely stated.

Regina mumbled, and fell silent. It was almost the summer holidays when Regina followed Lily's advice. Gryffindor had just won the Quidditch Cup, and as per usual, Emma had stared at Regina after every goal. When she had raised the Cup, she had looked for Regina, and once she had found her eyes, she had stared pointedly at her for several seconds, before breaking the eye-contact to kiss her girlfriend.

Regina had then decided to act on her feelings, and had waited for Emma at the entrance of the locker room. Emma was the last to go out of it, and she was with Potter. Her eyes widened when she saw her, and Regina approached the blonde girl.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" she calmly asked.

Before Emma could answer, Potter exclaimed:

"What the hell do you want Snape?"

Regina raised her wand and threateningly said:

"Get lost, Potter."

He looked at Emma who nodded, and he left without saying a word. Regina lowered her wand and entered the locker room, inviting Emma to follow her. When the both of them were in, she locked the room and turned to Emma.

"Congratulations on your victory"

"What do you want Regina?" Emma said coldly.

You, Regina thought. Tempting to try it, just to see Emma's reaction.

"Still with Ruby?" she asked instead.

"What kind of question is that?" angrily said Emma.

"I think you know what kind of question it is" Regina calmly stated.

The blonde girl was furious, and with her every following words, she took one step forward to Regina, until the Slytherin girl was stuck against the door, and Emma only a few inches away from her face.

"I confided you some very personal details of my life, only Sirius and James know, then I told you I was attracted to girls, and you stopped talking to me for months. After that you told me I wasn't your type. Then you made out with Sirius' cousin which is a total bitch. And now you're hitting on me? What is wrong with you, Regina?!"

Regina caught the front of Emma's robe, and attracted the girl to her. They were breathing the same air, and Regina had never felt so good before. Nobody had felt so right.

"I may have the same problem as you, Emma" she whispered.

Emma closed her eyes for a few seconds, obviously trying to collect her thoughts and when she re-opened them she whispered back:

"I don't know what problems you're talking about, but I don't have them anymore. I'm not single, and I like my girlfriend very much"

She then evaded Regina's embrace and calmly said:

"Thank you for your congratulations, Snape. I need to celebrate now, if you'll excuse me"

Dumbfounded, Regina silently went out of the locker room. She went back to her bedroom mechanically, and she lied down on her bed, crying. What's wrong with me? Bellatrix soon joined her (Regina had no idea why she was in their bedroom in the middle of the afternoon), and started to kiss her. Regina let her.

"You know, I'm quite addicted to you, when I see you cry baby" whispered Bellatrix, between the kisses.

"Maybe you're a sadist" answered Regina.

"I most definitely am. I shouldn't even look at you for your betrayal" she murmured, lustfully.

Bellatrix lowered her head, and began kissing her in the neck.

"What betrayal?" Regina moaned.

"Your love for Muggle-borns" Bellatrix groaned.

She tried to lift up her robe, when Regina stopped her.

"What are you doing?" she asked, sitting.

"Nothing. I thought you would… never mind. You're too innocent anyway, you couldn't satisfy my expectations. But you're a fairly good kisser, baby" she winked. "Do you feel better?"

"Seriously?"

"That's a very serious question, yes."

"I'm fine, thank you" coldly answered Regina.

"Great. I need to go, now"

Bellatrix went away as fast as she had arrived, and Regina was alone once again. What the hell was that? She thought.

Regina tried her best not to cry every time she saw Emma after that. She was silent for the main part of the last week. Lily and Severus had guessed something had happened, but didn't ask any question. Maybe Emma has already talked to Lily, she thought. Slytherin once again won the House Cup. When they went back home, Severus and Regina didn't even bother going back at their parents', but followed the Evans and decided with them to spend the summer there.

"How's Evan, sweetheart?" Asked Mrs Evans fondly.

"He's great" brightly smiled Regina.

He never left her side, and was on her shoulder, when Mrs Evans had asked the question.

"How were the last months?" enthusiastically asked Mr Evans.

"It was ok…" stated calmly Lily.

"Hope you had good results at least?" asked Mrs Evans, concerned.

"We're still among the best students, Mom" reassured the red-head.

"Perfect. We're proud of you three" beamed Mr Evans.

The summer will be beautiful as always, thought Regina.