Okay, this chapter takes place in mid to late February. Just as a warning, there's some minor violence later in the chapter, so for those who don't want to read about those types of things might want to skip this chapter. I'll post a recap at the beginning of the next chapter. I'm sorry in advance if I offend or anger anyone. I just want to continue the story. Oh, yes, and this piece isn't really very humorous anymore. Should I change the genre or give it a chance to lighten?
"Morning, Sev," Regulus yawned tiredly. It was morning, and they were the only two Slytherins awake and in the Great Hall. They were actually the only people in the entire hall, strangely enough.
"Hmm," Severus mumbled a reply. He was lost in thought, though he seemed to be in pain. It was strange, Regulus puzzled, how his boyfriend kept clenching his teeth and rubbing his forearm.
A wand touching his arm, and there was pain, pain worse than anything he'd ever felt before, and he nearly screamed, but he had to stay strong...
"How did you sleep?" the younger boy asked brusquely as he reached for a bowl of rice. Regulus loved rice in the morning. He turned his attention to Severus, who was gritting his teeth now. His eyebrows were furrowed as he stared ahead, far beyond the walls of the castle.
"Do you remember what today is?"
Severus did not reply. He had no patience for trivial guessing games; the pain was too great for him to focus.
"Are you alright?" Regulus leaned close and brushed his fingers across the area Severus was holding.
"Don't touch it!" Severus yelled, shocked out of his drifting state. He yanked his arm away from Regulus, who was blinking at him.
The Black boy's face suddenly changed, and he murmured, "You took the Mark, didn't you?"
Severus' heart began to beat quickly, and he turned pale. "What are you talking about?" he asked coldly, but kept his face impartial so as not to anger Regulus.
It was cool, ridiculously cool, and Severus was shivering lightly. He was fearful, though he attempted to keep the emotion back... "Okay, Snape?" Rosier asked in a low voice. Severus nodded, and they Apparated away into the dark night...
"You took the Mark. You keep holding your left forearm." Regulus reached out for the other's arm, but he resisted. "Stop, okay? I don't know what you're talking about, and it's getting annoying. I cut myself accidentally while I was making a potion."
But Regulus was frowning now. He obviously did not believe Severus, though he nodded and continued to eat.
Breakfast was a stony affair, with Regulus ignoring Severus and Severus trying as hard as he could to see straight through his pain. When his rice was done, Regulus rose swiftly from the bench and was on his way to class with barely a goodbye said.
It was the start of a long, hard day.
"Snivellus!"
If another piece of crumpled paper hit his head, Severus swore to Merlin that he'd commit homicide in the middle of the classroom. James Potter had been throwing things at him for the past half hour, and Severus was sick of it. When Black and Lupin had said enough (they had surprisingly been discouraging Potter), wasn't that a sign for the "game" to be put to an end? And to top it all off, the teacher was doing nothing about it. He considered it a likely possibility that McGonagall was either in on it or didn't care; at least seven paper balls had been thrown at him while she was turned towards the class. She had to have seen them. Evil woman.
The deep burning sensation in his arm interrupted his thoughts. Severus had to bite his tongue to keep from shouting in pain. His fingers clenched around his quill, and his ink spilled as yet another object came flying at his head. This time it was a Snitch. Where the hell did Potter get a Snitch from?
"James, enough," he heard Sirius hiss. If only "James" would listen.
The stupid Quidditch ball was now zipping up towards the ceiling, and McGonagall was still pretending she couldn't see the attacks, when, really, who didn't? The class' attention was now divided between the Snitch, James, and McGonagall for a few struggling students. This was ridiculous.
Ruby eyes gazed down at him, thin, almost non-existent lips curling into a smile. "What say you, Severus?" the words trailed into a hiss...
Severus was now pressing firmly from his fingers down his arm in an attempt to subtly ease the pain on his arm. It provided some small relief, but whatever relaxation Severus felt was ruined by the pieces of Acid Pops and Chocolate-Covered Frogs being lobbed at him. The Acid Pops had clearly been licked (simply disgusting), as they were burning bits of his skin and the ends of his hair. From behind him, he could hear the sounds of Lupin and Black literally sitting on Potter to keep him from throwing things.
"Class is dismissed," McGonagall said suddenly, and Severus made his way for the door as fast as he could, hoping that no one would interrupt him, for the pain in his arm was insane-
"Severus, may I see you for a moment?"
Damn.
He reluctantly spun around to face the teacher, who was eying him with something akin to pity in her eyes. Severus was beginning to grow angry. If there was one thing he hated, it was pity. He was not something to pitied.
"I see who you are, and you are strong, Severus... an excellent servant, you will make. Strong, able-bodied, clever, and loyal. What say you, Severus? Will you join me and become someone excellent?" the soft voice stirred something in his mind, intoxicating him beyond belief...
"Severus, I cannot help but admire your resilience during today's lesson," McGonagall was saying, and Severus nearly lost it.
He managed to keep calm however, and replied cooly, "How nice of you to notice my "resilience" when Potter was throwing things at me. How kind of you to ignore him as he threw paper, a Snitch, some quills, bits of Chocolate-Covered Frogs, and pieces of Acid Pops at my head. It certainly helped soothe my skin and my soul knowing that you were admiring my ability to ignore pretentious Gryffindors-Gryffindors, whom, I assumed, were your charges, being in your house. I learned something else in today's lesson, Professor. I learned not to rely on people to help me, though I've learned this lesson countless times before."
He stalked off and left McGonagall stunned in his wake.
Forgetting about their earlier almost-quarrel, Severus headed to Regulus immediately to complain and share facts about his day.
"...and she let them throw things at me through the entire class!" Severus ranted.
"Poor baby," Regulus said in a cool tone, and he stroked Severus' head in a somewhat mocking manner.
"This isn't funny, Reg. I've had it with them!" the older boy raged on to indifferent ears.
"Perhaps you upset him," Regulus suggested nonchalantly. He wasn't interested in the current conversation; not only did he have a class to get to, but he was still angry with Severus and expressing it passive-aggressively.
Severus turned and stared at his boyfriend in disbelief.
"I upset him? He's been torturing me since first year, and you're saying that I upset him?"
"I'm not saying that you deserved it, or that he's right. I just heard that he was angry about you and Lily speaking," Regulus shrugged. Severus stopped dead in his tracks.
"Why do you always make it about her?" he snarled when he had regained his voice and footing. Regulus turned and raised an eyebrow cockily.
"Oh, but Severus, it seems that you always make things about her. Staring at her down the halls, getting all giddy and excited whenever you see her, hell, being near Rosier. He seems to be your new obsession. Is it because of his red hair? Does it remind you of Lily?" the Black boy was openly mocking him now, a cruel smile adorning his face. Regulus certainly was an angel, but he had a devilish side for sure.
"Shut up!" Severus snapped. He was losing his patience with Regulus. It seemed that the boy had been on short wire today for no reason, and Severus was not in the mood for it.
"I'm not stupid, you know." Regulus knew he was late, but he did not care. Easily slinking behind Severus, he rested a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder and whispered in his ear.
"I know what you've been up to. I know about the Mark. I know about Rosier. I know about Lily. And do you know what's funny about it all? You keep assuming, again and again, that I'm stupid. That I'm innocent, or naïve, or so out of it just because I'm a fourth year. Just because at the beginning of this year, I was all soft and stupid, doesn't mean I'm the same now. I've grown up, Severus. And do you know what I see in you? I see you chasing after someone who doesn't want you while you can't accept the truth that she's just not into you-"
Severus lost his cool when Regulus said this. Without waiting for the boy to finish, he smacked him in the face. The sound of the slap resounded down the empty hallway.
The serpent hissed and snaked itself up his chest until it was wrapped around his neck, threatening to choke him...
Regulus stood there, frozen. Severus was just as stunned with himself. He had never even imagined that he would hit Regulus. Ever. But the signs were there. The boy's cheek was turning bright red with a handprint right in the middle, and silent tears were rising in his eyes.
Without saying a word, Regulus began to walk away. Severus was vaguely aware of this fact, but too numb to chase after him.
Suddenly, Regulus turned around in the middle of the hallway and screamed, "It was my birthday!" Tears were running down his cheeks, one marked and bruising rapidly. He stalked away as fast as he could.
Severus miserably recalled Sirius telling him that Regulus' birthday was in February. And what a birthday it was. Severus had snapped at him, pushed him away emotionally, and abused him. No wonder Regulus' family didn't approve of their relationship.
"Well done, Severus Snape. I am impressed with you for sure. So brave, you are, stepping up and becoming one of us... How we will value your service." Lips parted as a laugh slipped out, hissing and slightly mocking, but of whom, Severus did not know...
A sharp, intense deep pain returned to Severus' forearm with a vengeance. He could almost feel his skin pulsing. The swelling feeling seemed to increase the agony until Severus could take it no longer. With trembling fingers, he pulled back his sleeve.
The blackened image of the Dark Mark leered up at Severus.
Regulus collapsed on his knees in the bathroom. Gasping for breath, he stood and leaned heavily on the sink to support himself. He looked into the mirror.
His cheek looked awful; it was bruising purple-black already, shading his entire cheek and his lower eyelid. "Severus has large hands," he said aloud wryly, before choking and vomiting into the sink.
He was sick several more times; he was still not emotionally capable to think about what had happened without wanting to vomit.
Regulus gazed at the large piece of glass reflecting his own image back to him. He had used to like mirrors; he believed that they showcased a person's every emotion, every fear, every sorrow, every joy, every pain. It was for this exact same reason that Regulus grew to hate mirrors, especially when the bathroom door opened.
"Regulus?"
Closing his eyes, Regulus sighed. He hated it when he fought with Severus for this exact reason: it always seemed that he ran into someone who just had to know what was wrong, and was concerned about his well-being, or was angry for him. Honestly, Regulus just wished he could scream at everyone that he was not a defenseless fourteen-year-old. He was a strong-willed now fifteen-year-old with quite a few tricks up his sleeve. And Severus would pay for laying hands on him.
Sirius was behind him, looking horrified. As he rushed forward and grasped Regulus in his arms, the younger Black was actually grateful for his brother's comfort, even if he smelled like a wet dog.
"What happened to you?" Sirius demanded, lifting his brother's chin and gently touching the bruise.
"Sev-ouch-slapped me. We're kind of really angry at each other right now," Regulus attempted to sound nonchalant, adding the effect of rolling his eyes, but Sirius saw the tears he was fighting.
"Let's talk for a bit. But not in here-ew. Smells like piss."
Regulus giggled. He was reminded of their childhood, when Sirius would say funny things to keep him from crying. He missed those days.
Sirius led him through the castle and to a dead-end.
"Um..." Regulus cocked his head as his older brother closed his eyes and clutched his hand tightly.
The younger boy gasped softly as a door appeared, and, grinning, Sirius opened it.
"Happy birthday, Reg," Sirius smiled, and Regulus burst into tears.
The brothers were sitting cross-legged on a wooden floor. The room, which Sirius explained was called the Room of Requirements, had been transformed to create a cozy little room with red, green, silver, and gold walls and two couches. Sirius and Regulus sat on the floor, where a cake had appeared, decorated with white icing and spelling out 'Happy birthday Reg' in sloppy purple letters. It was obviously Sirius' creation.
Right now, Sirius was holding his younger brother as he sobbed. "Geez, if I knew you would cry when I said happy birthday, I wouldn't have said it at all, Reggie," Sirius commented. This was the wrong thing to say, for Regulus began to sob even harder.
When Regulus was in control of his emotions, he thanked his older brother with a watery smile.
"You look awful," Sirius replied bluntly, and Regulus' shoulders dropped.
"Gee, thanks, jerk," the younger boy mumbled. "Ah, cheer up and have some cake! Go back to the happy, smiley Regulus we all know and can't stand," the older Black urged, but Regulus sulked, "You mean the happy, smiley Regulus Severus can't stand and slapped."
"So what was that about? I didn't hear the story, only saw the marks," Sirius observed as he cut two slices of cake.
Over cake and iced tea (Regulus' favorite remains of childhood), the story came out. To his credit, Sirius did not fly into a violent rage as he was previously prone to doing. Instead, his lips formed a tight line as he heard of the slapping.
"He's being a bastard. I ought to slap him, see how he likes it," the older boy mumbled angrily, but Regulus shook his head.
"It's fine. I think I've had as much as I can take, anyways."
"You're done with him?"
"Mother always said never be with someone who's abusive. She may have meant it for the girls, but it's true. If that's how he is, then no. I either want a full apology and a resolution to stay away from me until he can keep his hands to himself, or a full apology and a break up. He's being a butt." Regulus took a bite of cake slowly; he was testing his still-weak stomach.
"Speaking of Mother, here. I don't know why it came to me, but-" Sirius extended two cards, which Regulus took gingerly. He tore open the envelope without ripping it (true Blacks did not rip envelopes, it was unsightly) and read the card. Tears came to the boy's eyes, and he bit his lip, but managed a laugh.
"I guess he does care about my relationships, if only to make sure that I produce an heir."
Sirius' face tightened; he knew whom his brother was speaking of.
"Reg, I'm sorry I left you there with them, I should've-"
But Regulus held up a lily-white hand.
"It's fine. To be honest, it's better that you left by yourself. I doubt we'd both still be alive if we had both gone. Mother wouldn't allow such shame."
"Mother can-" Sirius paused and made an attempt to lighten the mood.
"I think Mother hates herself."
"How?" Intrigued, Regulus put down his fork.
"Think of my initials."
It took Regulus a second to think before a broad smile split his face.
"You're insane."
"I'm insane and always here for you."
"Thank you, Big brother."
"No problem, Little brother."
"I love you." Regulus wrapped his arms around Sirius' waist and hugged him tightly.
"I love you, too." Sirius smiled at his younger brother before returning the hug.
After skipping the rest of his classes, Regulus headed down to the Great Hall fifteen minutes early, hoping to avoid certain Slytherins. Unfortunately, it seemed that certain Slytherins had anticipated this move.
"Regulus."
The youngest Black boy ignored his name being called and instead read his book as he ate his chicken.
"Regulus-please." The desperation in Severus' voice was profound, but it did not move Regulus in the slightest bit. It had the opposite effect, actually; Regulus' ignoring powers were growing stronger by the second.
"Regulus, please, you've got to listen! Please let me talk before-"
"Alright, Black?" a devilish voice intoned suddenly, and Regulus grew stiff as a board. Slowly, he raised his face to make eye contact with Evan Rosier.
Rosier whistled lowly when he saw the bruises left across Regulus' cheek.
"Looks painful. Where'd you get it?"
Regulus was not a fool. He did not miss the glittering malice in the older boy's eyes.
"Had an accident," he replied easily. He would not allow Rosier to intimidate him.
"What kind?"
Rosier was sitting down next to Regulus, much to the boy's annoyance and Severus' chagrin and panic. He had a feeling that something terrible was going to happen soon.
"The kind that happen in a magical school." Regulus dodged the question with ease. Severus admired his boyfriend's-or were they over? Merlin, no, hopefully- grace when it came to dealing with Rosier.
"The kind that involve hands?" Rosier surprise-attacked Regulus, causing him to lose his blade. Snape could see the surprise in Regulus' eyes before they turned dull once more.
"The kind that involve magic." There was Regulus, picking up his blade again and using the same blocking technique.
"Magic from a wand? Or a magical person?" Rosier seemed determined to stab holes into Regulus. He asked his questions quickly and sharply, never giving the boy time to rest. It did not seem to matter, however, for Regulus did not give up easily.
"Why does it matter to you? You're not a Prefect or Head Boy."
Regulus cooly shut the conversation down. Severus noticed how he chose instead to observe his nails with an almost bored expression.
"I care about the safety of other students."
It was a flat-out lie, and all three boys knew it. Severus was nervous; he did not want them to attack each other. He knew that no matter how strong Regulus was or how many spells he knew, Rosier would win simply because he was a Darker wizard.
"That's nice of you." Regulus held his knife in an awfully combative way. Severus knew he was not intending to use it for just cutting chicken.
"I suppose it is, isn't it?" Rosier agreed.
Regulus stood suddenly.
"I really must be going, I'm not feeling all that well. Not to mention that it's my birthday." He smiled a thin smile that did not reach his eyes.
"Oh, is it? Happy birthday," Rosier sneered. His tone was even insincere, making it obvious that he knew and delighted in the fact that Regulus' birthday had not been so happy.
A nauseated look crossed the younger boy's face upon looking at Rosier, and he walked quickly from the Great Hall, quickly becoming lost in the crowd of students entering.
Severus started to follow him, but a searing pain in his arm made him cry out slightly in pain as he collapsed back into his seat. Looking up tiredly, he saw Rosier gripping his left forearm.
"Does it still hurt?" Blue eyes were glittering as a hand reached up and pushed back red hair.
The black-haired boy nodded tightly, trying to tear his eyes away from the other's. Rosier was smirking as he gently stroked the other boy's forearm. "I'm happy for you, Severus," he murmured. He could barely be heard over the chatter echoing around the room. The two boys met eyes, and Rosier continued talking.
"You've taken a step in the right direction. Soon, the Dark Lord will extend his reach to cover all of Britain, then the rest of the world. We will have power."
Severus noticed the greedy light in Rosier's eyes as he spoke of the power that would be granted to them as servants of the Dark Lord. It was beginning to disturb him.
Rapid thoughts began to spiral around Severus' mind. Was this how he himself looked when he thought of being a Death Eater? He must have, especially when he had joined. He remembered the scene perfectly; after all, it had only happened last night.
Severus was on his knees on the cool hardwood floor, bowing his head in reverence for the man sitting in front of him. And he was quite a man; pale white skin, ruby eyes that occasionally flashed chocolate, a dome-like skull, clothed in robes of ebony. He was repulsive, yet beautiful. Snake-like and majestic, Lord Voldemort watched Severus carefully. He was intruding upon Severus' thoughts, jabbing at his mental walls and intruding, searching his memories. A cruel smile spread across his face slowly.
"He is good, Rosier. Very good." Large, spidery hands met one another as he clapped, cold, high voice expressing his approval. Rosier bowed. "Thank you, My Lord."
Voldemort's attention left Rosier and returned to Severus.
"Well done, Severus Snape. I am impressed with you for sure. So brave, you are, stepping up and becoming one of us... How we will value your service." Lips parted as a cruel laugh slipped out, amused and slightly mocking, but of whom, Severus did not know...
He noticed the expectant glance, and he quickly bowed his head again.
"Thank you, My Lord."
"'My Lord'? Why, you have decided already?" Voldemort was smirking, the most disturbing, frightening smirk Severus had ever seen.
At this time, a low hissing came from the ground behind Severus. The Slytherin boy fought to keep from turning around as something large and scaly curled itself around his ankles. He realized then that it was a snake, the biggest, greenest snake he had ever seen. The serpent hissed and snaked itself up his chest until it was wrapped around his neck, threatening to choke him...
A strangled noise came from Voldemort's lips, and to Severus' amazement, the snake unwound itself and travelled to the Dark Lord. Of course: Lord Voldemort was a Parselmouth.
Ruby eyes gazed down at him, thin, almost non-existent lips curling into a smile. "What say you, Severus?" the words trailed into a hiss...
"My Lord?" Severus was confused.
"I see who you are, and you are strong, Severus... an excellent servant, you will make. Strong, able-bodied, clever, and loyal. What say you, Severus? Will you join me and become someone excellent?" the soft voice stirred something in his mind, intoxicating him beyond belief...
Slowly, without saying a word, Severus nodded.
"Your arm, Severus," the Dark Lord whispered, and Severus extended his arm.
A wand touching his arm, and there was pain, pain worse than anything he'd ever felt before, and he nearly screamed, but he had to stay strong...
"I have to go," he said abruptly, yanking his wrist away and escaping the crowded, noisy hall as quickly as he could.
Regulus sighed and swung his legs as he stared up at the stars.
He was sitting on a bench in the Astronomy Tower, a place that he now was not so fond of since the events that had happened... was it only two months ago? Two months since Severus broke his heart- He forced himself to take a deep breath. He was not going to think about certain people. It was his birthday, and he wanted to spend the last of it enjoying himself.
"Okay, take a deep breath and be happy, Regulus. It's your birthday after all. Cissy may not be here for whatever reason, and I may be missing Bella and them, but I got to spend time with Sirius. He even gave me some cake!" Regulus cheered to himself, taking the wrapped pieces of cake from his bag.
"There I am," Regulus smiled softly to himself, pointing up at the sky and at the star Regulus. It had been a game of his and Sirius', searching the sky for their stars. Regulus loved his star; he remembered as a toddler when his mother, in one of her rare moments of softness, took him up in her arms and whispered about how Regulus was one of the brightest stars in the sky, just like he was.
"You have a really strong Cockney accent," a blue-haired boy stepped from the shadows. He was Ravenclaw, judging by his tie. Regulus did not jump, only smiled and said, "Don't know where I picked it up from. Oh, gosh, that's embarrassing."
"No, it's cute," the boy smiled before sitting down next to Regulus, who moved over to make room.
"Would you like some cake?" Regulus offered some of his cake to the boy, who accepted.
"It's good. Where'd you get it from?" the boy asked curiously, and the Slytherin frowned slightly at the thought. "My brother gave it to me for my birthday," he explained, and a grin split his companion's face.
"Really? Happy birthday, then! How's it been?"
"Not as good..." Regulus replied honestly.
"That's too bad. Hopefully next year's will be better."
"Hopefully." Regulus was beginning to enjoy this boy's company. He was very warm and kind, with bright turquoise hair cut to the end of his neck and chocolate eyes that twinkled and sparkled. His skin was creamy like Regulus', only several shades paler with an ethereal shine to it. He smiled at Regulus with white teeth, slightly taller and a tad more muscular than the Slytherin boy. Regulus found his presence wonderful and intoxicating, beautiful and warm.
The boy turned his attention to the open canvas of the sky. "I've always loved the stars," he sighed, and Regulus agreed. "I have a constellation name. There's my star," the Slytherin explained, pointing at his star.
"Regulus? Mine is Leo," the other boy held out his hand, and Regulus shook it with a smile. "So, Regulus-with-a-Cockney-accent, what's got you up here?" Leo asked curiously.
Regulus cocked his head before loosening his shoulders and sighing. "Just... avoiding people."
"People like Severus?"
At this, the Black boy started. "How did you-"
Leo smiled widely. "I've been watching you. Well, watching over you. See your star? It's part of the constellation Leo. That's me! And as a constellation- or, biggest star, as I like to be known- I have to watch over all of the stars in my constellation. That's you. You're my brightest star, you know... Regulus, don't give up hope. I see you struggling. Don't give up love. Stay true to yourself, my brightest star."
Stunned, Regulus sat frozen as Leo stood and kissed his forehead before walking towards the stairs.
"Wait, seriously? For real? Am I just making this up in my mind?"
The Ravenclaw turned and grinned. "You might be. Or I might be real. Who knows? Haven't you ever heard of the expression that we're all stars?"
"But- will I ever see you again?" Regulus' voice grew soft. He liked Leo. He didn't want the other to leave him forever.
At this, Leo faced Regulus fully and gave him an encouraging beam. "Of course you will! You're a part of me, aren't you?"
The taller boy began his descent down the stairs, and Regulus swore that he disappeared into thin air.
"Happy birthday."
Severus stood in the middle of the Common Room wearing a party hat and holding a box, looking ashamed.
Regulus stared at him for a moment, then started towards his dorm.
"Regulus, please. Just give me- five minutes."
The birthday boy thought it over for a moment before throwing himself in a chair and giving Severus a stony glare.
"Start."
Unexpectedly, Severus dropped to his knees before Regulus and offered his left arm.
"I took it, Reg," he said in a low voice, resting his head on the area of the chair between his boyfriend's knees.
"You? You took-the Mark? Like I said this morning, when you denied it? Another one of your lies, then." Regulus was not impressed or excited as Severus had hoped, rather growing angrier now.
"Listen to me, please. I know I must be- the worst boyfriend in the world. Forgetting your birthday, hitting you and such. There is no way I can atone to that. I'm bloody awful, I am, doing that to you. You deserve better."
"Damn right I do."
Regulus was still cold, voice lofty and disconnected from emotions.
"I took the Mark last night. That's why I've been sneaking around with Rosier. Not because I'm attracted to him or anything-" Severus fought the bile rising in his throat at the lie- "but because I've become a Death Eater. It was to be a surprise- for you."
"For me?" Surprise laced the younger boy's voice.
"Yes, for you. Because- I really care about you, Reg, like crazy-"
Regulus' eyes narrowed.
"And you slapping me in the face showed you care how?"
"I'm sorry- I was being an idiot, I lost control-"
"You wouldn't have slapped Lily," he said bitterly.
"Regulus." Severus was gripping the boy's hands flat on his own palms. Regulus' hands felt so unusually cold; he grew worried.
"I hate you right now."
Severus' blood ran cold. His lips were suddenly dry; he lost his voice momentarily.
"Mother always said never be with someone who's abusive. But-" a cold smile flickered across Regulus' lips, so emotionless and cruel- "Mother also said that a man who can change for the better can win a lady's heart and make her smile again. Now, I'm no lady, and Mother was most certainly talking about half-bloods and blood traitors being "changed" by being killed, but that's no matter. If you can prove to me that you will no longer disrespect me, then I will return to you. But- there is a time limit. You must make me smile and win a kiss within five days. If you fail, I'm done."
Regulus' pale fingers were stretched out as he once again observed his nails. "Well, what do you say, Severus?"
"Of course. Anything." Severus nodded.
"Then your time begins... now. In five minutes, day one will be over."
"What? But- we just decided?"
"I never said that I would play fair," Regulus smirked. He was obviously still angry.
Severus took a deep breath and nodded. He extended his arm and held out a soft wrapped package. Regulus looked slightly curious, but he simply plucked the ribbon off of the package and pulled off the wrapping paper. Of course, it was perfectly wrapped, he thought wryly before biting back a gasp.
He pulled out luscious soft pale green-yellow robes made of silk. The sleeves and hem were embroidered with silver flowers. It was a beautiful article of clothing.
"It's beautiful," he murmured, keeping his voice devoid of emotions.
"Happy birthday," Severus repeated. Regulus noted how nervous he seemed, eyes stuck on the boy's face.
Regulus stood, thanking Severus in a detached voice before leaving for his dorm. He saw Severus clutching his head as he left, and the younger boy smirked. It was working perfectly.
The next morning, Regulus was pleasantly surprised when he was greeted with a large bouquet of pink roses. Severus looked slightly embarrassed as he kneeled and offered the flowers, judging by his pink cheeks.
"Get off your knees, you'll get your robes dirty," Regulus rolled his eyes before taking the roses. "They're very pretty," he said without even cracking a smile. "May I walk you down to breakfast and to your first class?" Severus asked eagerly.
"To breakfast, yes. I'm going with someone else to my first class." Regulus caught the look of disappointment in his kind-of-boyfriend's eyes, and he smiled inwardly. Perhaps this wooing would teach Severus a lesson. Regulus was sick of being disrespected; he figured that Severus needed to see how he himself felt whenever he was rejected or ignored.
Before leaving, Regulus turned to the mirror in the Common Room and observed his cheek. It was a deeper purple than yesterday, still livid but less flared and red at the edges. His skin really did bruise easily, he supposed, for he didn't understand how one smack turned his face such terrible colors. "Perhaps I should use a Glamour charm," he mused before casting the spell. To another eye, he looked perfectly fine. Only Regulus himself saw the damage that had been inflicted.
"Perfect." He headed off and left Severus to hurry after him.
Narcissa was surprised when she saw Regulus walking up to her after breakfast with Severus in tow.
"Bye," Regulus said cooly to the older boy, who grimaced and exited.
"What was that about?" the blonde questioned, but Regulus shook his head. "It's a long story. Basically, Severus and I are working on it."
"Again?" Narcissa sighed, and Regulus laughed.
"Yes, again. I know we have a lot of issues, but hopefully this one will make it easier. Hey, Narcissa..." the boy hesitated.
"Yes?"
"Did you know... about Severus?"
Narcissa smiled then. "Joining? Yes, I knew. I was there."
Regulus frowned and bit his lip before murmuring, "Ah, Cissy, why didn't you tell me?"
His cousin's expression went from pleased to worried in a matter of seconds. "He didn't tell you?" she asked worriedly, and Regulus nodded. "Not until last night. He said it was "a surprise for me". Some surprise." Regulus laughed bitterly.
"Oh, Regulus, I'm sorry, I thought you knew!" Narcissa took her cousin's hands, but he shook his head. "It's alright... Hey, do you know of a Ravenclaw with blue hair?"
Narcissa looked startled and confused; he supposed it was due to his asking questions about a Ravenclaw. Ravenclaws weren't that bad in Regulus' book; he found that they made interesting company due to their cleverness. However, this thing about Leo was bothering him. He was certain that he had never seen anyone around the school with blue hair or skin that pale and glowing, but he had to find out. It was entirely possible that he had dreamt the other boy up, but deep down Regulus refused to believe this. He distinctly remembered Leo's smell, intoxicating and... star-like? He couldn't find another word to describe the ethereal scent the boy had possessed.
He was drawn from his thoughts when Narcissa flipped her hair off of her shoulder and gave an answer. "No... why?" his cousin replied, and Regulus smiled sadly.
"No reason."
She accepted his answer and moved on to happily tell him about Lucius and their activities. Smiling, Regulus focused on what Narcissa was saying. Better that than his own life at the moment.
"A picnic? In the middle of winter?"
Severus fidgeted under Regulus' gaze. He had never felt so scorned before.
"I figured to try something new," the older boy replied, gripping the basket handles tightly until his knuckles turned white. He had borrowed the basket from the kitchens; the elves had been quite willing to help him once they found out his plan. "Master Regulus loves cake," one had squeaked as she placed one in his basket. He hoped for sure that it would work.
An odd look came to Regulus' face, almost as if it were softening, but he was back to his militant hard attitude in less than a second. "I suppose," he decided coldly, but to Severus this was a breakthrough.
"Excellent. By the lake, then?"
Regulus rolled his eyes lightly but nodded, and the two boys set off. It was an incredibly awkward walk to the lake; Severus did not quite know what to say, and his attempts at conversation were either ignored or mocked. He was growing nervous and downtrodden. He could not recall Regulus ever being this harsh to anyone. Regulus was the softest, sweetest Slytherin around, making friends with almost everybody in the school (except for Gryffindors; the boy had his limits).
"It's cold," the Black boy muttered to himself, rubbing his shoulders furiously. Severus immediately offered his cloak, which his boyfriend refused. They were standing at the Great Lake, which had frozen over weeks ago due to the cold. The Giant Squid could be seen lurking beneath the icy surface, unaffected by the cold.
Severus unrolled a blanket onto the frozen grass, and Regulus sat cross-legged across from him, staring past his shoulder. As Severus unwrapped the foods for their picnic, he was grateful that the elves had placed a heating charm on the basket, for it was as hot as it would have been if it had just been cooked.
Noticing the tips of Regulus' ungloved fingers growing blue, he hastily cast a heating charm of his own. Warmth flooded the two boys quickly, and with an internal sigh of relief, Severus watched as Regulus took the cloak that had been offered earlier.
"Would you like chicken?" the older boy asked, and Regulus shrugged. Taking it as a yes, Severus quickly handed him a plate with chicken and slices of bread. Regulus tore his food apart with his fingers neatly, wiped his hands, and ate with a knife and fork. Severus found this method both intriguing and adorable to watch; he only remembered to eat his own food when Regulus raised an eyebrow at him.
"How are your classes?" Severus attempted to start conversation.
Regulus' eyes snapped to his face, and he watched him warily for a second before choosing to reply.
"Fine."
"Are you doing well in Charms?"
"Yes."
"That's great."
"I suppose."
Regulus seemed uninterested. He ate another piece of bread and sighed. Severus was growing desperate. He needed to keep Regulus interested, to rekindle their relationship...
"Can I tell you something?" he said abruptly. The smaller boy raised his eyebrows as an answer.
"I think-" But Severus was cut off by a loud booming voice.
"Hello, Severus! Black..."
Regulus' eyes narrowed, and Severus turned, cursing inwardly. Rosier was cheerfully making his way down the hill towards them, grinning broadly.
"Hi, Rosier," Severus said dully, while Regulus simply nodded.
"Ah, Sev, I told you, call me Evan," the redhead insisted before coming to a halt in front of their picnic. Regulus looked steaming mad, but Severus told Rosier, "Don't call me Sev," firmly. The older boy saw his boyfriend's eyes widen and the smallest smile flicker across his lips, and hope rose in his chest.
Rosier shrugged, but Snape noticed a rather nasty look in his eye. "Mind if I join you?" he asked suddenly. "No. I was just leaving, anyway," Regulus replied in a forced light tone, swiftly standing and starting off. "Thank you for the picnic, Severus. It was quite... interesting." He smiled slightly before walking away.
Severus' heart swelled at the sight of Regulus' smile aimed at him, but Rosier was not quite as happy. "Who does he think he is?" he muttered to himself before pulling out his wand.
"Don't!" Severus knocked the wand out of Rosier's hand when he saw it pointed to Regulus' back. Startled, the redhead stared at Severus for a moment before a snarl rose from his throat.
"You dare-"
"I dare," Severus replied firmly. "Don't hurt Regulus."
Blue eyes met black. Rosier stared into Severus' face for a long time. His face became unreadable. "Fine," he agreed, and Severus relaxed slightly. He did not fully believe Rosier, but he knew the other boy would at least follow his promise for awhile.
"Does it still burn?"
Severus rubbed at his arm absently. "Not anymore," he said honestly. The pain had left his Mark when he had gone to sleep that night. The skin around it was also less inflamed; it had gone from red to a pale pink. The Mark itself was still as strong as ever, though, grinning up at him every time he pulled back his sleeve.
"That's good. It shows you're not fighting it," Rosier nodded. Severus thought about it. He really hadn't had time to think about fighting it: he had been too busy trying to get Regulus to forgive him. As if sensing the direction his thoughts were going in, Evan said softly, "I'm glad you took it, you know. You're so much more than this school... so much more than him... You don't even need him..."
This was too much. Severus got to his feet and said abruptly, "I think I'd best get to class soon." He packed up his picnic basket and stalked away, feeling Rosier's intense crystal-blue eyes on his back as he walked back to the castle.
I'm so sorry for the delay! I tried to make this chapter extra-long and extra-good to make it up to y'all; please tell me if you're disappointed! Leo, the star boy, may or may not be back in the sequel, it depends... I wrote him to comfort Regulus, I hope you guys don't mind! I love writing this story now, I must say... Thanks for reading!