[Chapter Six]

Instantly, Éponine could feel the burning sensation on the back of her hand, despite the fact that Ernest Nott had yet to even touch her. Her heart fluttered in her chest like a panicked bird, trying to find any means of escape as it sent messages to Éponine's brain to be wary of the man. The girl knew all too well that she did not wish to remain in Ernest's company but she couldn't exactly flee from the scene either. While she found the man to be eerie, he was still a good friend with their parents and any sort of disrespect from her end would definitely be reported back to the two. For some reason, they did not see the way Ernest looked at their daughter, they only saw it as him being friendly and perhaps it was friendly, but it was too friendly. 

Out of all the adults that she had encountered in her lifetime, none of them ever seemed to be so taken back by her beauty every time that they saw her. They would compliment her at gatherings here and there, but Ernest seemed to have made it his life's mission to approach her every single time that she was alone to remind her of what he thought of her appearance. Enough was enough in Éponine's mind, however, she was left unable to voice it without suffering some consequences. After all, her parents had practically trained her to only talk to adults in a polite manner and unfortunately, Ernest was an adult. A creepy one for certain, but an adult nonetheless. 

"Are you here alone, Éponine?" Ernest questioned her as he set the book down in his hands back on the shelf. 

Suddenly, there was a pit in her stomach that began to burn as she realised that abandoning Regulus' side had led to her falling into a worse predicament. While she didn't want to stay in his company either, she would much rather be around him than Ernest, by far. Glancing over her shoulder, she hoped that she would catch sight of Regulus or at least, one of his parents so that she could claim that she was with one of them. However, when she looked around the bookshop, she could clearly see that it was just the two of them besides some adults she didn't know. Although she was considering reaching out towards one of them and asking for help.

When Éponine didn't answer, Ernest took advantage that her head was turned and took a couple of steps towards her. She had turned her head at the same moment, only to somewhat mirror his actions, only she took a couple of steps back. 

"You should not be walking about Diagon Alley on your own, Éponine," he said, "that could be quite dangerous and you could find yourself getting hurt. You did not travel here alone, did you?"

"No, sir," Éponine answered," I-I-I-..."

She stuttered terribly as she tried to tell him that she had just wandered off alone and would be heading back to find her group, however, Ernest seemed to smile at her nervous nature, leaving her to fall silent. Suddenly, much to her disgust and silent protest, the man reached out one of his hands and cupped the right side of her face. His thumb grazed over the lower part of her cheek, leaving her body to shiver, yet it was not out of the slightest bit of pleasure, but fear.

"You're looking a bit peaky, Éponine," Ernest told her, " I think you need to sit down. You know what will do you good?"

Getting the hell away from you, the girl thought to herself. But of course, Ernest suggested getting a cup of tea, his treat. Éponine quickly told him that it wasn't necessary and that she was just going to go find Walburga and Orion, but he insisted, not giving her any sort of chance to say no. Her body was practically trembling as he led her outside of Flourish and Blotts and the two of them made their way to Rosa Lee's teashop.

Several times, it crossed Éponine's mind, just to call out for help, but she knew that would end up working against her in the long run. Technically, Ernest had done nothing wrong, as it wasn't exactly a crime to be creepy and if she claimed that he was a stranger, that would be disproven quickly as it was well known that Ernest was close with the Rosier family. She could only imagine the trouble she would get in with her parents if she accused Ernest of any foul play when he had technically done nothing. They would be absolutely furious with her and as punishment, she would probably find herself spending more time with the man apologising. 

Thankfully, Ernest was taking her to a public area, so if he did try anything, she would be able to cause a big enough scene to escape. But for the time being as she sat across from the man, she looked outside of the large window next to them and prayed that Orion and Walburga would walk by at any given point so she could call out to them. If they asked why she wasn't with Regulus, she had two options, one telling them the truth or telling them that they had gotten separated inside the crowds. She was already counting on telling them the latter and hoping that Regulus wouldn't tell his parents what she said to him. 

Éponine cursed herself over and over for being so foolish to tell Regulus that she would still marry Sirius over him. If anyone in their social circle had heard her utter such things, she would find herself in a great deal of trouble. It was one of the biggest issues growing up in the social circle of purebloods, one always had to be mindful of what they said or they would face horrible consequences. She was getting the first-hand experience that day as her words had led her to spend time with Ernest Nott. 

When the tea arrived, Ernest began asking his questions about how she was enjoying her summer and how she was getting along with Regulus. 

While Éponine was practically being held captive in a tea shop, Regulus had been left alone after their little spat. For several moments, he didn't move from the alleyway where she had abandoned him once she stormed off and as much as he tried to shake her words, he couldn't just ignore what she had said to him. The fact that she claimed that she would still rather marry Sirius over him, had been the shock factor that delivered a strong blow. It was almost as if someone had delivered a solid punch to his stomach, leaving him breathless. 

Growing up in the Black household, it was no secret that Regulus was the favourite among the two brothers, mainly because Sirius was always doing something to irritate their mother. Often times, there were more exchanges of yelling and shouting between Sirius and Walburga then there were hugs and endearing moments. It really didn't come as a surprise when Sirius ran away from home that evening, even if Regulus held high hopes that the two could sort out their differences, enough to get along. Since his older brother was sorted into Gryffindor though, everything seemed to only go downhill from there. 

He befriended the wrong people, he followed the wrong beliefs, he said the wrong things at the gatherings between families, and more or less, he became the wrong sort of person to be around them. He was willing to spend his time and befriend blood-traitors, defended muggle-borns, and called his family and the others backwards in their beliefs. It had been the final straw among Walburga and the final argument not only led to Sirius claiming that he was leaving and never coming back. Orion tried to reason with his son, but Sirius wouldn't hear any of it, Regulus didn't even bother knowing that his brother wouldn't listen to him. 

However, shortly after, out of pure anger, Walburga blasted Sirius' face off the tapestry in their home, with Regulus and Orion as her witnesses. It meant that Sirius would never be able to come back, he had been completely disowned, just like their cousin, Andromeda and the others that did not follow the ways of their family. 

Regulus pitied his brother, knowing that times were changing, the one called the Dark Lord was gaining power every day and those that did not follow suit were going to find themselves suffering. There was a slight fear in his chest that Éponine was about to head down the same path if she dared to say such things as wanting to marry a blood-traitor, even if she only said it out of anger. Suppose anyone in the circle had heard her say such a thing, Regulus ventured to think what would happen if his mother had heard Éponine's claim. There would have been terrible consequences that the girl probably never considered or if she did, she was so angry with him that she didn't care. 

He didn't even think that he had been in the wrong grabbing her hand to lead her to the first shop. He was going to let her choose the next shop, he just needed to purchase new quidditch gloves for the upcoming season that would start after the term did and then he wouldn't have a problem going somewhere she wanted, probably the bookshop. Yet, Éponine had made such a scene that those plans were ruined. Grabbing her hand had not been to assert dominance or make her feel inferior like she believed, he just thought that it would help smooth over the tension from that morning. Of course, the girl had made it sound like he was leading her to the slaughterhouse. 

Regulus didn't want matters to be hostile between them, despite the two of them having a poor history together. He could admit it, at least to himself, that he had not been the greatest person to Éponine, never going after her personally but never going out of his way to defend her from the likes of his friends either. He would simply laugh along, not that there was anything to laugh at, but they were his friends. However, Regulus could see how much damage they had inflicted on the girl because even with her acne cleared, she didn't see herself as beautiful, she had to remind herself. 

When his parents announced that Éponine was going to be spending the entire summer in their household, he had to admit, he found himself beyond irritated with the idea. He found himself irritated with the idea of marriage in general, especially since he didn't have a say in it. He was expecting his summer to be rather dull with Éponine and he held the same expectations when it came to their marriage, simply because Éponine never seemed to do anything besides hiding behind a book. 

But she was set to prove him wrong apparently because within the days that had past from the time term ended with her showing up at the Grimmauld Place, it seemed she had certainly found her voice and she was letting him hear it loud and clear. Her silent and observant nature seemed to have paid off in her favour because she knew exactly where to strike.

Regardless of how things were starting off with them, Regulus knew in the back of his mind that he had to make things right between them. Unfortunately, even if neither one of them really wanted to, they were due to be married once they were finished at Hogwarts. If they entered the marriage with such hostile views of each other, they were going to be miserable for a long time. But in order to get back on the right track, Regulus was going to have to start off with an apology or Éponine would fight him until the end of time.Swallowing his wounded pride, Regulus ventured off to find the girl, so he could begin his apology. 

Knowing some things about her, Regulus assumed that Éponine would have gone to Flourish and Blotts to hide among books. But as he entered the bookshop, he walked up and down each row of books, and there wasn't any sign of the girl. Admittedly, he was confused because he was certain that she would go to the bookshop of all places in Diagon Alley, however, it seemed he was mistaken. Making his way out of the shop, he started peering through the glass of others to see if he could spot her. He was dreading the idea that Éponine had found his parents and now they were all probably looking for him. He couldn't imagine what she had told them in her upset state, so more than likely he was going to be getting an earful.

Pausing in his steps, he was about to look around to see if he spotted his family anywhere when a man passing by sneezed. Regulus grimaced in disgust as he felt a spray of the man's spit, hit his arm. He turned his head to tell the fool to cover his mouth, but as he turned, he spotted Éponine sitting in the Rosa Lee Teabag teashop. She was seated right near the front, by the display window and Regulus could quickly see that she was not alone. In her company was an older gentleman, one that Regulus recognised as Ernest Nott. He wondered what Ernest was doing in the company of Éponine, he wore a smile as he spoke to the girl, but she didn't look anywhere as happy as him. In fact, she looked miserable or perhaps nervous from what Regulus could see. 

Through the window, Regulus saw that Éponine was holding one of her hands, her thumb grazing over the same spot where Regulus had first noticed the raw mark when she had first arrived at his home. Her head was down as the man spoke to her and her frown was prominent on her face, one that made Regulus feel uncomfortable. Ernest Nott was a man that was well known among the circle, although he had heard his mother claim that she wouldn't trust a man without children around her own. It seemed like an unfair statement as there were plenty of men around their families that were kind and didn't make anyone feel uncomfortable, but Ernest was not one of them. 

Regulus thought over what he was supposed to do in those moments and without a solid plan, he figured he was just going to walk into the teashop and tell the girl that his parents were looking for them. Even if she didn't want to be in his company, Regulus could assume that she didn't want to be in Ernest's either. Walking over, he entered the teashop and approached the table where the older man and girl sat. 

Éponine could only stare at the dark amber liquid in her teacup as Ernest continued talking. She had barely heard of what he was saying, meanwhile as she was just trying to figure out how to get away from him. She didn't want any of the tea and the longer she remained in the man's company, the sicker she was feeling. Already her hand was burning from where her thumb had rubbed a circle, over the same spot where Ernest had once kissed it. Whenever she was in his presence, it was like a burning sensation that she couldn't get rid of.

No matter the disinterest she showed in the conversation, Ernest continued to talk and talk as if they were just sharing a friendly conversation, catching up on old times. She desperately wished to get out of it all and it seemed her silent prayers were about to be answered, by the person she least expected to come to her rescue during such a time. 

She had heard the little bell over the door ring, but she didn't know that it was Regulus that had entered the teashop.  

When a throat cleared that interrupted the conversation, it was like being released from a daze as she quickly looked up and saw Regulus standing in front of their table. Ernest looked just as confused as her in those moments, but Éponine's confusion quickly turned into relief and a small cry of delight escaped her. 

"I've been searching all over for you," Regulus admitted, " we were supposed to meet in the bookshop, what happened?"

"I'm afraid that's my fault," Ernest said as he turned to the boy, the two males eyeing each other, "but when I saw young Éponine on her own, I noted that it is not wise for a girl to be walking around Diagon Alley alone. Surely you know that, don't you, Regulus?"

"I do, but I am also aware that Éponine is fully capable of looking after herself, surely you know that, don't you, Mr Nott?" Regulus countered before walking over to where Éponine sat and rather than grabbing her by the hand, Regulus offered it to her to take at her own free will. 

For a few moments, she stared at the offering, surprised that he understood what she had yelled at him for earlier. He was trying to get her out of there but only if she wanted to get out of there with his assistance. Wasting no more time, she reached out and quickly grabbed his hand, intertwining her fingers with his and he helped her out of her chair. Regulus squeezed her hand that trembled within his as Éponine turned to face Ernest once more.

"Thank you for the tea, Mr Nott, but I should get going. Regulus and I have plans for the rest of the day."