Excitement was present in the school on this last day. Students were awaiting those holidays with so much impatience. And Ariel admitted it was something he expected just as much. Spending time at home would probably feel boring, and it would be as boring to see his stuck-up and snobbish relatives for Christmas, but at least he could have a break. He and Regulus already planned on meeting soon. They had spent so many rare moments together these past few weeks that it was much needed. Ariel allowed himself to follow his wants, just as Narcissa told him. He wouldn't go against his envy of being with Regulus. And he was glad the younger boy was sharing his thoughts. Being deprived of affection could only push him to accept this meeting. He too wanted it.

In the meantime, he had to keep acting so friendly and attentive towards his female housemates, wishing them to take good care of themselves and have nice holidays, secretly telling each one he would miss them with a sad smile crossing his features, making them squeal in excitement. He would probably forget about them and everyone from school as soon as he would step in his house.

The ride to London was awfully long. Firstly he had to bear the insufferable Moira Goyle in the prefects' carriage and while patrolling the train and then he had to finish the ride in the unpleasant company of his fellow housemates. It was so annoying to hear them talk about the same things, but Ariel would obviously throw some comments from time to time, acting as if he was interested. Which he was not. The best moment was when Regulus finally joined their compartment after his own patrol. Ariel's blue irises lit up when he caught sight of him. He had to refrain himself from smiling too much when the boy went to sit down at his side, very close to him, while engaging in a conversation with his classmate Wenston Burke. He wanted his attention so bad, he wanted to talk to him, even if it was the most random thing, even if he could look at him it would be pleasant. And that was the difference between Regulus and any other person. He wanted Regulus' attention, he wanted him to focus on him and not on others. He appreciated having people's attention on him, but Regulus' was the only one he truly wanted, he was the only one that interested him, the only one that wasn't meaningless.

As students got out of the train, Ariel quickly addressed Regulus a few words while escaping the crowd.

"You'll hear about me soon, I promise," he murmured into his ear before placing inconspicuously a peck to his cheek.

"I'll be waiting," answered the raven-haired boy.

One last glance and one last smile before he finally disappeared from sight.

His house was the same as he left it four months ago. His mother quickly arrived to welcome him.

"Ariel, darling, I'm so glad to have you back," said the woman as she hugged her son. Her blue eyes were twinkling with joy as she spoke.

"Me too, Mother," replied Ariel while kissing her cheeks lightly.

He loved his mother dearly, much more than his father, and he loved being with her again.

"Where's Father? His office, I suppose?" he asked, already directing himself towards the second floor to meet him.

"Oh no, no. He's dressing up. We've invited some acquaintances for dinner. You should go change too!"

She quickly left afterwards, probably leaving to dress up as well. And so Ariel just went up to his bedroom, bringing his trunk along with him. He wondered what kind of boring guests his father had invited. Probably some Ministry members to talk about charity and politics once again. He took his time choosing an outfit, something very simple but elegant enough for the chic guests. He felt already exhausted though the night had yet to start. At some point, his mother called him down, telling him the first guests had arrived. The boy finished brushing his blondish locks, fixing them on his forehead, before finally leaving the room, going down to meet and greet the new comers.

"Isn't that your son, Abraxas?" said a man with a big grey mustache, and piercing green eyes, turning around to meet Ariel. The boy obviously recognized Lazarus Avery, an old friend of his father. This man was unsurprisingly a worker of the Ministry, someone close to the Minister from what he knew. And he was accompanied by his wife, Silvia Avery, one of the most silent person he had ever met.

"Mr Avery, nice to see you again," told him the blond boy while shaking his hand firmly. He then turned to his wife and more gently took her hand to peck its back in a greeting manner.

"Me too. Are studies going well?"

"Very well, sir."

"I'm pretty sure we'll find you a post at the Ministry once you graduate," he said more seriously, but smiling nonetheless.

Ariel met the keen gaze of his father who sent him a small nod, inciting him to answer something proper. "That would be great. Thank you sir."

As he finished, some noise was heard from behind. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy had just arrived in the lounge where they had been discussing for the past minutes.

"Good evening. I see most of us are here, I hope we aren't late nevertheless," said Lucius as he started greeting everyone, starting with his parents as the perfect son he was, before exchanging a hand shake with his brother, barely smiling at each other. The two had never been the best to show affection, but it wasn't really needed between them.

However, Ariel and Narcissa didn't hesitate to hug. The boy as well placed a light kiss to her cheek.

"Ariel, did you grow up again?" she told him smiling a little.

"I didn't mention it to you yet, but I think you grew up darling," said his mother from behind and she was smiling.

"I'm pretty sure I'm still about 5'10" tall," he told them with a small laugh.

"Merlin's beard, you're almost as tall as your brother!" exclaimed Narcissa.

He noticed now Narcissa's and his mother's petite statures as they were barely reaching his shoulder length. As his mother went back to conversing with her guests, sending a smile his way, Narcissa regarded him with more seriousness.

"Are you doing better?" she murmured. Her big blue eyes were displaying so much worry and warmth, something he knew he would never see in his brother's cold grey stare.

"Yes don't worry. You helped me, I told you. I feel better now that I decided to follow my heart," answered the boy with a gentle smile, expressing his gratefulness.

At this exact moment, someone appeared in the fireplace of the room, followed by another person, and again another one. He watched as the members of the Black family stepped one by one in the room, greeted by the other people around.

Narcissa watched as Ariel's eyes lit up at the sight. His blue gaze was fixed upon Regulus who was lightly grinning in his direction.

"Ah my dear friend Orion. What a pleasure to have you and your family here tonight," said Abraxas as he walked up to the man to shake his hand.

"Thank you for having us Abraxas," answered Orion Black with a tight smile, his face closed. Ariel had always known him with the same unreadable façade.

He quickly walked up to them as well, as his father looked back at him.

"Mrs Black. Mr Black. Nice to see you again."

"Oh, Ariel how welcoming you are," giggled the woman with false enthusiasm.

"A very good boy you have here," added the man by her side, directing his words to Ariel's father.

He sent them a smile as he made his way to Regulus who had just greeted his father.

"It's always nice to have you here as well..." he murmured to him while shaking his hand, slowly, letting it stay in his hold a little longer.

It was barely audible but Regulus could perfectly discern the words on his lips. "Glad to be here then."

The exchange was short, way too short for the boys as they had to sit down already with the other guests, on the multiple sofas of the room. They stayed together nonetheless, but in silence as the others started talking. For everyone in the room, Ariel was considered an adult. They all knew the ease he had to talk in public and take part in conversations, so it was no surprise for him to join them.

"Will Mr Black drink a glass of wine, sir?" asked the house elf, Jelly, bowing in front of Regulus.

"Stupid elf, my son is underage," muttered Walburga Black from where she was sitting. Everyone remained unbothered and kept on talking.

"Mother, he doesn't know," replied Regulus, as calmly as possible.

Ariel noted his behavior. And before the woman could say anything, he spoke up casually, "Mrs Black. I think taking a sip won't hurt. Especially since this wine is such a delicious nectar that Regulus should taste too."

He, himself took a sip of the beverage before leveling the glass to Regulus' face, looking at him, silently asking if he wanted some. The boy nodded and so the Ariel brought the glass to his lips, letting him have a taste of the beverage.

The expression on his face showed his lack of appreciation for what Ariel considered a delicious nectar. A roar of laughter resonated around the room and even Ariel chuckled lightly.

"That's not something for youngsters. This nectar, like this young man said, is something for experienced palates," stated Lazarus Avery with a grin. "Now that I think about it, how old are you?"

"Eighteen, sir," replied Ariel.

"Well, that's rather uncommon."

"If it wasn't for his candid features, we would think Ariel was much older considering how he behaves and how he thinks," praised Narcissa and the blond boy smiled at her.

"That's right," nodded approvingly Abraxas, a look of somehow pride in his blue eyes.

author's note: happy new year, wishing you many great things in 2023!!! thank you for following this story, and i hope you'll keep enjoying it!!