On the next day, everyone felt a little sad about leaving each other, but it was nothing in comparison to the seventh years who were having their last times in the school where they experienced so many good things. And Adena couldn't help but feel a little wince in her heart as she thought about leaving the castle too in one year. She noticed Candace and Maylyn sobbing a little in each other's arms as they were leaving the place where they created their amazing friendship.

The ride was calm in the prefects' carriage. Sometimes the brunette could feel James Potter's glare on them but she learned to ignore him and sometimes, Ivanna Flint would throw teasing words at them. Regulus would send her a irritated glare but she would just laugh.

"Aww, you two are still so into each other," squeaked Ivanna.

The two just looked at her without replying. "Who would have thought you two..." she trailed off, waving her finger between the two. "Isn't that right, Lee?"

"Hm, yeah..." replied the boy without any real interest.

"Anyway, I've always thought you were a strange pair – and I still think you are – but I must admit you really look good together."

They just stared at her, not knowing what to say at her words. It became quiet after that. Adena stared out the window during the ride, waiting for her shift to start. At some point she felt Regulus' hand take a hold of hers and she let him do, squeezing it lightly as he started caressing it. These subtle gestures were always so pleasing.

After long hours in the train, the students finally arrived on platform 9 ¾. Everyone felt rather excited, except the few seventh years still crying, like Candace.

"Stop whimpering like a baby Candace, I thought you were strong," said Adena with a little smile as she reached her sister's side outside the train.

"I'm leaving school, I don't want to, I'm growing old..."

Regulus snorted but happily the blonde didn't notice. Only Adena did as she sent him a glare, knowing exactly why he reacted this way since the brunette had said similar things already.

"No, dummy, you're still full of youth, you're eighteen."

"But I'll start adult life and I won't have fun with my friends anymore."

"Stop talking nonsense will you," said Sirius who just appeared by her side. He placed an arm around her shoulder while ruffling her hair.

" 'Dena, you lend us your house for a few days during the holidays? We invite you to have fun of course."

"Hm, I'll make sure to be out when you come..."

"We like having fun with you!"

"But I have... many plans already for the holidays!"

"Oh, really? That's new. What did you plan then?" asked Sirius teasingly but his expression formed a scowl as he saw Regulus' arm bring her close to him while he was fixing his brother.

"Hm... I see. Have fun then, and don't do stupid shit," he said, walking away with Candace.

"Annoying."

"He called you 'Dena?"

"Yeah, really annoying like I said."

He started walking to the back of the platform where it was much calmer, preparing to say his goodbyes.

"I'll send a letter soon."

"I'll wait then," she said, nodding with a smile.

He placed a hand on her cheek as he bent a little, his grey eyes looking deep into her hazel ones.

"I love you Adena," he whispered before sealing their lips. Their kiss was long and gentle, so agreeable, so pleasant, the kind of kiss that made the girl's heartbeat go wild as he had so much effect on her. It lasted for a while before the brunette put an end to it.

"I don't want to make Pimchin wait..."

"Okay..." he whispered, pecking her lips one last time, just to enjoy the feeling a little more.

"I love you..." she said, hugging the boy close.

"Me too. See you soon," replied Regulus while caressing her soft hair and she let go of him.

The girl nodded and gave him a small smile before turning around, looking for her house-elf while dragging her luggage. When she looked behind, she saw Regulus smiling at her before disappearing, being now able to use his ability to Apparate.

The next few days were calm and Adena stayed in her bed, except for Noah's birthday which she was happy to celebrate. She enjoyed such a good day in the company of her friends, minus Isaac who was travelling but didn't miss to send him something from Morocco, a magical object from an aboriginal tribe none of them knew how to use.

As the days passed, Adena felt more excited about meeting her boyfriend again. She hadn't expected to hear so soon about him however. After spending a few days at home, she had already received a letter from her boyfriend.

'Dear Adena,

I hope you are doing well. I could not wait more longer before reaching out to you.

My parents are inviting you for tea next Friday at 4pm. I hope to see you on that day, I will be waiting for your answer.

Yours truly,

Regulus'

She obviously accepted. And so she chose in advance what to wear, a simple summer dress but pretty enough since she wanted to make a good first impression. Regulus found his mother's approbation really important after all. The girl of course put on the hair-clip her boyfriend had gifted her, and then she was ready.

It was ten to four, but punctuality was very important, thought Adena. She walked into the fireplace, and said '12 Grimmauld Place', after having thrown the floo powder, like Regulus had mentioned before. She travelled in the fireplace for a few seconds, before finally landing back on her feet. Her eyes then discovered a huge room resembling a living-room. Adena also noticed a small house-elf standing in front of her.

"Hello, you must be Kreacher. My name's Adena." The girl introduced herself politely and the house-elf regarded her with large eyes before replying.

"Kreacher is pleased to meet you Miss Adena. Welcome to the house of my masters."

She smiled at him and he suddenly disappeared with a 'crack'. After a few seconds, Regulus Apparated in front of her. She threw herself in his arms without hesitation, having missed his embrace over the past few days. His addicting scent completely took possession of her senses and she smiled in contentment in the crook of his neck.

"I'm so happy to see you again," spoke first the boy.

"Me too, it has been so short but so long at the same time..." sighed the girl.

Regulus detached himself so he could place a few kisses on her lips to which she replied with enthusiasm while moving his curls away from his face.

"I'll tell my parents you're here... just sit on the sofa in the meantime," murmured Regulus as he detached himself, disappearing from her view. She did as told, sitting on the greenish sofa. But she barely had time to wait since Regulus came back after some seconds.

"They're coming," he told her. Adena stood up and quickly grabbed his hand and they walked together to the entrance of the room.

"Mother, Father, this is Adena Winsten, my girlfriend," said Regulus as soon as his parents entered the room.

"Mrs Black, Mr Black, it's a pleasure to meet you," said the girl, while addressing them a polite smile. Regulus' father, Orion Black, was like her father had described him, aloof and snobbish. He was tall and had a tight expression, unreadable. Regulus' mother, Walburga Black, was a tall woman as well, and she too had a snobbish look. She had a certain aura that proved she must be a powerful woman that told the others they must feel intimidated. She had a tight smile on her thin lips and piercing black eyes as she addressed Adena.

"Dear Adena, welcome to the noble and most ancient house of Black."

"Thank you for welcoming me."

"Shall we have tea now? Kreacher!" the elf appeared at the call. "Tea." Was all she said.

She led the way to the round wooden table in the middle of the room where the four of them took a sit. Regulus kept holding Adena's hand under the table. Walburga Black started talking right away.

"Adena Winsten... daughter of Marshall Winsten I suppose, right?"

"Yes, I'm his daughter."

"And who's your mother?"

"Juliet Winsten."

"Born...?"

"Brown."

"I see, this name sounds familiar... didn't a Brown  marry a Mudblood?"

Adena tensed a little upon hearing this. She knew, of course she knew. Luckily for her, Kreacher arrived with the tea and to the girl's surprise, he also had some slices of her favorite cake. The brunette turned towards her boyfriend who was giving her a small grin which she returned.

"How's your aunt?" suddenly asked Walburga, a sly grin on her face.

"My aunt..? I don't know," answered the girl hesitantly.

"Who's your aunt..." suddenly murmured Regulus at her side when he sensed her discomfort.

"Her aunt married a Mudblood, son. Just like your cousin that blood-traitor."

"But we're not in contact anymore!" blurt out the young girl.

"I hope so," and she took a sip of her tea, her dark eyes scanning Adena who dropped her head.

"Eat some," murmured Regulus as he slid a piece of cake towards her. She had a knot in her stomach, but she took some, nonetheless.

"Have you heard about Regulus' projects?" the woman started talking again.

"Yes, I did," answered the girl while looking back at her.

"This will become reality soon, I'm so proud."

"What do you mean?" asked the girl, slightly confused.

"Oh dear, Regulus didn't tell you the great news? He'll be a Death Eater in a few days!" exclaimed the woman, her sly grin never fading.

Adena just turned her head towards Regulus but he wouldn't stare at her. He didn't tell her it was coming so soon.

"You support him in his projects, right?"

"Of course, I do."

"It's important for my son to have a partner who shares his views and ambitions. You do, right?"

"Yes..." said Adena but her tone was obviously hesitant.

"No bad frequentations hm?" her stare was piercing through Adena who didn't bother lying.

"Two of my comrades are half-bloods." She decided to be honest, this woman didn't look like someone she could lie to.

The woman was frowning at the young girl and she chose to avoid her scowl to have some tea.

"Let's talk about something more serious. You like my son right?"

The brunette was surprised by that question but instantly answered a 'yes'.

"Well I guess you're ready to be his fiancée."

"F-fiancée?" said the girl with wide eyes full of surprise.

"Yes, are you ready to be his fiancée or no?"

The girl calmed down for a few seconds before continuing more confidently. "Yes, I'm ready."

"Perfect! And what about children? You need to carry my grandsons!" She was smiling brightly but Adena was shocked again, even feeling uncomfortable. Regulus at her side was quiet, his presence almost unnoticeable.

"I'd gladly do that," answered the girl with seriousness which surprised the boy by her side.

"Wonderful! Regulus did you hear that? She's the perfect wife!"

"Yes, Mother," just answered monotonously the boy.

"My dear Adena, since we're getting along so well, would you like to accompany us to a fancy party tonight? I'd love to present my son's fiancée to everyone."

"I'd be happy to join you," answered the girl politely even though nervousness and confusion were still inhabiting her after that strange discussion.

author's note: i want to talk about something very important, you have all rights to not read but i'm still recommending

so writing this after attending rina sawayama's concert, it was amazing and i highly recommend her music. but something special happened during this concert, rina paid tribute to brianna ghey through a cover song, "i'm with you". it made me very emotional. in case you didn't know, this girl was a trans girl, a teenage girl, who was murdered just a few days ago. this is absolutely devastating and i think it's important to mention it, as someone part of the lgbtq community, who also write about this, creating queer characters etc. our community lost one of our sister and this is saddening. as rina said, she didn't only dedicate this song to brianna but to everyone who faces transphobia, homophobia, racism, sexism and any form of discrimination. let's protect and support each other friends<33 and let's remember brianna