Chapter Forty: Hidden Feelings

Regulus' P.O.V.

A small smile covered my face as I looked down at who I was holding in my arms. Sophie looked so peaceful in her sleep. She didn't have that glint in her eyes that I couldn't help but notice when I looked at her. A glint that only people who have seen great things have in their eyes. From when they have seen death and experience overwhelming sadness.

I brushed a stray strand of her wavy hair away out of her face and carefully placed it behind her ear. Then I heaved a sigh. If we both made it out of this war that was brewing, I am going to tell her exactly how I feel about her. That I have been head over heels in love with her since I saw her crying on the Hogwarts' Express all alone. I only wish that I wasn't such a coward and have the nerve to tell her how I felt. It took my about five years to get her to actually talk to me and not just see her sit all alone during classes or in the Great Hall when we ate.

Then in the Room of Requirement when I almost kissed her. I have absolutely no idea why I didn't. Maybe it was because her father just died right in front of her eyes, and I didn't want to take advantage of her. That night I couldn't concentrate on anything, even quidditch practice, which was rather rare.

I hope that we both make it out of everything alive and well. If not me, then Sophie. I don't think that I could handle it if she died or something. When she tried to convince me to let her join the Death Eaters, like I am being forced to by my mother, I almost broke down right there imagining her having to go through what that sick bastard would make her do. Her having to kill someone that she knew or having to sit through the torture curse if she. Maybe even being killed if she messed up. No, I couldn't have let her join. I would rather die than see her go through that torture.

It was right here that I made a promise to tell her of my feelings before anything happened to either of us. When we both were of age and out of Hogwarts is when I would tell her. Yes, that was a good time to do so. After school and when we would be training for our future careers. This way I'll have another year and a half to work up the courage to tell her.

Merlin help me.

Sophie's P.O.V.

When I woke up I felt that I was leaning on something nice and warm. I automatically snuggled into it more before I realized what, or should I say who, it was. This made my eyes snap open to see the smirking face of Regulus.

"Have a nice nap?" he asked me with a bit of humor in his voice at my reaction.

"Of course. And what time is it? I have to write an essay for both McGonagall and Hughes," I asked as I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

Regulus rubbed the back of his slowly, "Well, you see, it's almost the end of breakfast. Classes start in twenty minutes."

My eyes widened in shock, "What? We slept through the entire night? McGonagall is going to kill me when I show up with an essay that I haven't done. Just as I was starting to get on her good side for actually beginning to get the hang of the subject. As for Hughes, well, he won't mind. Defense is my best subject."

"Sophie, you'll be fine. Now let's head to the common room to get our books. If we're late then McGonagall will kill both of us. Don't want that to happen, do we now?" Reg said as we stood up to stretch.

I nodded and headed toward the door, "Yeah, I guess we'll just have to miss breakfast and catch up during lunch."

"Miss Potter, do you mind if I see you after class?" McGonagall asked as everyone was packing up to leave.

I sighed, but agreed to anyway after I told Regulus to go on without me. It was rather obvious that this was going to happen. I grudgingly trudged up to the front of the room and stood before her. She felt slightly intimidating even when she was sitting down at her desk.

"Yes, Professor?" I mumbled quietly.

It seemed as if the Transfiguration professor's bright, green eyes burned right through my eyes and into my soul.

"You didn't turn in your essay today, Potter. I know you just got out of the hospital wing, but I don't want you to slip back into your old habits. You only just started to excel in the subject too. Now, I'll allow you to turn it in late, but only this one time." McGonagall said to me sternly.

"Really?" I asked her with a bit of surprise in my voice. "Thank you, Ma'am. Although, I really must be off for History of Magic. I'm already late as it is."

She nodded at me to leave and I did so gladly. I would never in a million years think of McGonagall of all people to cut me some slack. I guess you shouldn't judge people before l actually get to know them.

"What the hell?" I shouted as I felt someone pull me into another room as I was just about to Binns' class.

AN- Christmas break has also given me a nice break from school and I just wanted to update, so I did and here is this lovely chapter that I know all of you readers are going to review, right?

I'd also like to thank the reviewers of the last chapter, The Amendable Snow Freak, celeste.c. arguello, Blue Luver5000, and sara253xxx. I would be no where with out you guys.

Oh, and Merry Christmas to all!