For the Can You Make It To the End Challenge (Round Two: your OTP in the Shrieking Shack)
"Not scared, are you?" Regulus asks, raising his brows.
You take a deep breath. You could lie, of course, but he'd call your bluff too easily. "It's haunted," you say, as though he hasn't heard the same stories you have. "There are wicked spirits here. They- they-"
You look around. It's almost anticlimactic. Sure, it's a little dusty, but that's not actually terrifying. "Oh. Is this it, then?
Regulus snorts, stepping forward. The disappointment is clear on his face. "Who knew that the Shrieking Shack would be so underwhelming?" he sighs. "I was trying to give you an excuse to hold my hand."
You roll your eyes, nudging him with your shoulder, a small smile playing at your lips. "When have I ever needed an excuse to hold your hand?" you tease. "I'm your boyfriend. That's what boyfriends do."
Regulus wraps his arms around you, kissing your neck. You shiver at his touch, biting back a moan. "You know, they hear noises coming from here all the time," he murmurs, his lips near your ear now. He nips your lobe. "I'm sure no one would think anything of it if they heard your screams. I'm sure there's a bed around here."
The shiver intensifies. You want to pout. It isn't fair that anyone could have that sort of power over you. And yet Regulus always has.
His fingers wrap around your wrist, pulling you forward. You follow along, eager. You've always been a good boy, always followed the rules and kept your head down. But now, this offer is too tempting.
"Here we are. Now, if you'll just…"
He trails off. You grin, ready to tease him for suddenly becoming tongue-tied. But the words stick in your throat when you follow his gaze to the floor. Deep scratches are dug into it. Scratches that no human could have left behind.
You press closer to Regulus. "Very funny. You carve those yourself?" you ask, your voice trembling.
"I didn't do that."
Your heart sinks. You were hoping he wouldn't say that. But there it is. You swallow dryly. "We should, uh… We should go. Before whatever did that comes back."
Regulus nods, his grip tightening on your wrist as he guides you back to the door. You've never felt so grateful for fresh air in your life.
"Let's never do that again," Regulus says, grinning sheepishly at you.
You nod. "Agreed. Exciting as it was, I think I'll stick to just grabbing a butterbeer."