VI —— almond croissants for all

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          FIANNA'S FRIDAY BEGINS ODDLY, with Dumbledore inviting her and Prewett to his office. She grabs an almond croissant — the best kind, albeit unpopular amongst the other students, meaning they're only made on Fridays — and rushes down the hallway with Prewett, half of her croissant still in her hand as they make the ascent into the headteacher's office. Flustered, she hopes this is good news about the Yule Ball, which they presented to him the night before.

"Good morning, good morning," says Dumbledore, warmly. "Did you bring me a treat?"

Fianna looks down at her croissant. "... No."

"I jest," says Dumbledore, with a smile. "Lupins and their food."

She glances to the side at Prewett, who doesn't seem to question the interaction. But, then, why would he? Only Fianna's mind goes to, oh fuck, Remus and chocolate, and Dumbledore knows about his cravings because he knows that Remus is a werewolf and—

"I'm sorry to cut your breakfast short, but I have good news," he tells them. "I think the Yule Ball is a fantastic idea." Fianna's eyes light up, overjoyed. She has to contain herself, to make sure she doesn't miss out on the rest of Dumbledore's words. "The choice to hold it before the holidays is very wise, especially during these trying times... and I like the idea of a theme — it seems very Muggle, which I hope will change certain people's opinions on the other half of our world. How about we have a fortnightly meeting to discuss planning? I will allow you to organise this — Professor Flitwick can help with budgeting — as long as you keep me in the loop." He pauses, and smiles cheekily at Fianna. "And I get ample time to plan my outfit." Fianna grins. "How does all of this sound?"

"Amazing!"

Prewett squeezes Fianna's arm, excited. If she wasn't so over the moon, she'd question that. But instead, she looks ahead at Dumbledore, and thanks him for listening to their ideas — her ideas, let's be real. But still! A Yule Ball! Fianna did it!

Her happy spirits followed her all the way back to the Great Hall; she feels as if she's floating, as she plants herself opposite Georgia, the grin reappearing across her face.

"Guess what?"

Georgia's eyes widen. "If this is anything to do with Black—"

"Ew, no!" says Fianna, forgetting she's meant to love this boy. Georgia finds this funny, though, and looks at Fianna for the announcement. "The Yule Ball was approved! And, Dumbledore's given us free rein on the whole thing — he likes the date we suggested, the idea of a theme... It's just a case of organising it now!"

"Oh my God!" says Georgia, grinning. She reaches over the table, squeezing her best friend's hand. "I'm so happy for you! What did Prewett say?"

"Oh, I don't know, I ran straight here to tell you," says Fianna.

Georgia opens her mouth, but looks up, distracted by whoever's behind Fee. Swiftly, Prewett sits down next to Fianna, and smiles at the two girls.

"Merlin, with the way you ran off, I worried I was gonna have to venture to the Slytherin table," says Prewett.

Fianna shakes her head. "I wanted to tell my best friend first."

Across from her, Georgia beams.

"Well, that's great news, what Dumbledore said!" says Prewett. "I was thinking, we've got that meeting every fortnight with Dumbledore, but how about we meet once a week?"

Fianna frowns. "I'd say twice — we don't even have a theme, and Merlin knows how long that'll take to figure out... We can always go down to just the one, but you know, to help get the ball rolling...?"

"Sounds good, Fee," says Prewett, and nudges her arm. "You're the boss."

Georgia and Fianna exchange a confused look.

Cutting through the tension — or perhaps adding to it — Fianna feels Regulus' hand rest lightly on her shoulder, as he goes, "Hey."

Prewett immediately gets up. "I'm off — but how does Sunday afternoon sound, Fee?"

"Um, fine, I guess..."

"Sunday afternoon...?" says Regulus.

Fianna can't see any of this, the conversation occuring behind her, but by the look on Georgia's face, it doesn't seem to be good.

"Don't worry, it's nothing for you to worry about," says Prewett. Fianna's brows furrow intensely — where did that come from? "We've just got to start thinking about the Yule Ball we're planning together — and what's better than a quiet Sunday afternoon, away from everyone else?"

Fianna feels like she needs to intervene. But this entire conversation is taking Fianna by complete surprise — where is any of this coming from? Does Prewett just hate the Slytherins that much, that he's going to this length to annoy Regulus?

"... I highly doubt my girlfriend's going to cheat on me with you," says Regulus, slowly. Prewett must've wandered off, because Regulus returns his attention to Fianna and Georgia. "Sorry, what's wrong with him?"

"Many things," says Georgia, who smiles at Regulus for the first time. Clearly she appreciated him telling off Prewett. But, she gets up, and glances at Fianna. "I'm gonna save us a seat in the library, I'll see you in a bit?"

"Yeah, sure," Fianna says. They have a free period the first hour of Friday's schedule; last night, they promised each other they'd be productive during it, but Fianna wonders how long this commitment will last.

As Georgia wanders off, Fianna swivels around to look at Regulus. "You know, you can sit down here," she tells him.

Regulus looks at the bench funnily. "I might melt."

"This isn't The Wizard of Oz," says Fianna.

"What's that?" says Regulus, but before she can reply, he groans in realisation. "Is that some muggle shit?"

"It isn't shit—" But Fianna cuts herself off, her gaze landing on the letter in his hands. "Have you been writing me love letters?"

"Get a grip," says Regulus, rolling his eyes. "It's from Salome."

"Oh," says Fianna.

"I know," says Regulus.

He hands the letter to her; he hesitates, awkwardly standing in the space between the Gryffindor table and the next, before Fianna grumbles, yanking him to sit down.

Black,

Super happy to hear about you and my baby Fee! I hope you're a good influence on her — Salazar knows her brother isn't.

See you Saturday,

S.L.

"Short and sweet," says Fianna, frowning.

"I hope it's the only letter she sends me," says Regulus, grimacing. "This is all your fault."

"What's on Saturday?" she asks.

"It doesn't matter," says Regulus, which to Fianna translates as Death Eater things. "I just thought you should be made aware of this, in case she mentions it to you..." He pauses for a moment. "I know it isn't my business, but why was Prewett like that?"

"I think he just doesn't like you," says Fianna. "I don't know."

Regulus snorts. "I think I know why."

"Well, can you blame him?" says Fianna.

Regulus pauses for a second, frowning. "... I think we're talking about different things?"

Fianna blinks. "... What are you on about?"

"Uh, the fact that he fancies you—?"

"I'd rather die," says Fianna, pulling a look of disgust. Regulus goes quiet, looking pleased with himself. Slytherins versus Gryffindor, like usual. "I meant the fact that you're a — you know." She lowers her voice, nervously looking around.

Regulus looks unimpressed again. "I thought you said that was all my mother's fault?"

Fianna moves to get up. "We're not having this conversation."

"You know where we could have this conversation?" says Regulus, following her. Fianna frowns, wondering if he's trying to insinuate something. "At the Slytherin table."

Fianna looks at him, confused. "... Why would I do that?"

"Because you're my girlfriend?" says Regulus.

"I actually think it's super funny that Regulus Black seeks out his girlfriend," says Fianna. She starts to walk away, just as Regulus begins to follow. She glances over her shoulder, and goes, "See?"

He catches her hand, trying to slow her down.

"Is it not kind of weird that you don't?" says Regulus.

Fianna frowns. She glances down, her fingers feeling sparked with electricity.

"I... actually think it makes a lot of sense," says Fianna, trying to coolly let go of his hand. Regulus gives her a look, and she sighs. "Do I seriously have to go near the Slytherin table? And near your friends?" She shakes her head, grossed out. "They're weird!"

"How about, once every three days, you come somewhat close to the Slytherin table, and I'll meet you there?" says Regulus. He looks around for a second, before quietly, he admits, "My friends are starting to ask questions."

Fianna looks around. The hall is still fairly busy, and she worries about anyone overhearing their conversation. Sadly, she grabs hold of his hand again, and starts to walk him back out of the hall, towards the servants' corridor they used last time. The door closes behind them, and Fianna turns to Regulus, crossing her arms.

"What do you mean, they're asking questions?" she says.

"Well, they still don't believe that we're dating," he tells her. "I think that's mostly because you're Gryffindor and Order-adjacent, but still..." Fianna frowns, and wants to ask him how he thinks she feels, when he's the opposite of that. She remembers how horrified her brother was. "And I've got a favour to ask you, anyway."

Fianna frowns. "What...?"

"There's somewhere I need to be on Saturday — I know they've put up new rules about going into Hogsmeade unattended in case anyone sneaks off, but I need to go to London... But all of my friends are either busy or in detention, so—"

Her hand flies to her chest, clutching imaginary pearls. "You want me to go to a Death Eater thing?" she says, whispering.

"No, no — I need to go to London but I need someone to cover for me," says Regulus. "I don't want you going anywhere near that stuff, believe me..."

Fianna raises an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Uh, I don't want you to die?" says Regulus, incredulously.

"You're such a lovely boyfriend," she mutters.

"Is that a yes?"

"A not-happy-one, yes."

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          THE NEXT MORNING, FIANNA SADLY trudges down the stairs towards the courtyard, leading out towards the path to Hogsmeade. She made a point of being five minutes late, thinking it'd be even more awkward if she found herself waiting around for Regulus. So, as she reaches the stone archway opening into the courtyard, she spots Regulus, leaning against the wall.

He looks up as she reaches him. He looks annoyed, and she frowns at him.

"Hey, honey?" she says, grimacing.

"Salome wants you to come," says Regulus.

Fianna's heart sinks.

"What?" she says.

"I know, I know — I tried to get you out of it, but she won't have it. I promise it won't take long, and I told her that you're not getting involved in any of this..." Regulus pauses, and sighs. "You don't owe me anything, I know, but this'd really help me out."

But she does need to do this, she thinks — what if she refuses, and the Death Eaters start asking questions? As much as her heart is pounding, going into the snake's pit, what's worse, doing this or being hunted for not?

"No, no, it's fine," says Fianna.

"Thank you," he says, like he means it.

"Let's just get this over with," says Fianna, and she takes hold of his hand, marching them towards the Hogsmeade path.

McGonagall is standing, taking people's names and letting them go. As Regulus and Fianna stop in front of her, she pauses, looking down at them through her thin glasses. Her lips curve, unimpressed.

"Merlin," says McGonagall. "Be back at five, go."

Fianna breathes a sigh of relief, and the two start the walk into Hogsmeade. The narrow, winding path leads them down the castle's hill, towards a cobblestoned town, lined with small houses and shops. In the winter, the place looks directly from a Christmas card, the ones her muggle grandparents sent when she was little. They slip into The Three Broomsticks, quickly weaving through, towards the stairs. She's seen teachers and Ministry officials use the private rooms upstairs sometimes; Fianna hopes no one's recognised them, and thinks they're going upstairs for other private reasons. Gross.

"I owe you one," says Regulus, as they reach the landing.

Fianna groans. "What are girlfriends for?"

He moves to hold her hand, to Apparate them — but before he can, she raises her hands.

"Wait," she says. "You can't leave me when we get there. I am not talking to... your kind on my own. I'll—I'll get myself killed, and then my brother and my mother and my fath—"

"I wouldn't leave you," he says, rolling his eyes. "And they're not my kind."

Fianna scoffs. "Uh, I think so, Mr—"

"—Shut up," he interupts, grabbing her hand and Apparating them both.

Fianna hates Apparating — she hates the feeling of it, the way her limbs are twisted and pulled. She supposes she's still new to it, so maybe that's what her body still aches afterwards, but she despises it. She used to wonder how she acclimatised into her Animagus transformation like a swan to water, when the sensations are similar, but Apparating still gives her the heebie-jeebies. She guesses there's a point there somewhere, about her soul and swans and blah blah blah.

They appear in Knockturn Alley, Fianna's feet regaining their balance on the cobblestoned street. She glances to her side, spotting the narrow alleyway, leading back towards Diagon Alley. She thinks about her old workplace, and feels an intense longing for last year, her peaceful Saturday shift. Now, the street looks quiet, even for a term-time Saturday. She wonders if the rise in Death Eaters are the cause for it... no, she knows that's it.

"Follow my lead," he tells her, quietly. He's still holding onto her hand, and as she looks around, a witch with a hooded cloak covering her face, she doesn't feel as bothered about it as she did at school.

They walk towards Borgin & Burkes, Fianna nervously keeping her gaze to the floor. She ends up letting go of Regulus' hand, embarrassed she's leaning on a boy she barely knows, but in doing so, she feels acutely aware of her body. Of her hands, her posture, the way she's walking. She remembers when she was little and in her ballet lessons, and subconsciously embodies that, straightening her back and walking with the same confidence as a prima ballerina. No one will figure out that your brother's a werewolf and your mother's a muggle and that this relationship is completely, one-hundred-percent false—

"Fifi!"

The door to Borgin & Burkes swings open with Salome stepping out onto the street, opening her arms to give Fianna a hug. Fianna forces a smile as she moves into the older girl's arms; Salome hugs her tightly, but almost a little too tight, Fianna feeling her ribs press into the buttons on Salome's blazer. They pull apart, and Salome turns to Regulus.

"You know, this makes sense to me," she says.

Fianna frowns. "What do you mean?"

"You're like me, Fee, finding the boy that would piss my family off the most," says Salome, as she winks at her. Fianna smiles awkwardly, shifting between her feet. "And I mean, who else would Reggie fancy? You're the prettiest girl at that school, now that I've left."

Regulus looks around, uncomfortable. "Our relationship isn't just a way to anger the Marauders, or about looks," he says. "I know that's difficult for you to understand."

"Salazar," says Salome, smiling through gritted teeth. "You're on top form today."

Fianna looks across at Regulus, confused. She knows he's trying to sell this, but to actively insult the girl that would look into things, if she thought something was suspicious? It's making her even more nervous.

"C'mon, Lucius should be here soon to speak to you," says Salome. She opens the door for the two of them, inviting them inside the shop. Regulus steps forwards, and glances behind at Fianna, as if checking on her. Quickly, realising her hesitation is making her stick out, Fianna dips inside.

She saw Borgin & Burkes from the outside the other week, sure, but she's never stepped inside. Her dad used to tell her it was manned by two zombies and they sold body parts in the basement; she isn't sure how true that is, but as she looks around, she can see where he got that story from.

The shop is a bit like any antique shop, with narrow, winding aisles, with display shelves advertising different paraphernalia. Old furniture breaks apart the shelves of smaller items, with little tags tied to everything, naming it and its price. She sees a writing bureau that's been labelled Recovered from Grindelwald's manor; along the top, candelabras and ink pots have been neatly placed. Beside it, there's a thin bookshelf with various books lining the shelves. Fianna reads one with necromancy in the title, and another about inferi, and decides to look away.

"Cool, huh?"

Fianna looks across at Salome, who seems excited.

"Uh... It's interesting here, sure," says Fianna.

"I know, it's a lot to take in at first," says Salome. "But I'm sure you'll be coming here regularly now, whilst Reggie has his meetings..."

Fianna blurts out, "I'm not his babysitter," just as Regulus says, "She's not my babysitter." They pause, and look at each other, embarrassed they said the same thing.

Salome beams. "You're so cute."

There's a crack, and Fianna hears two new sets of feet, loudly moving closer to her. Her heart starts to beat a little faster; Regulus steps closer to her, not holding her hand, but dawdling close enough, as if not wanting to be obvious about his concern.

Lucius Malfoy immediately sets his gaze on Fianna. The man next to him — Salome's older brother, Rodolphus Lestrange — does the same. Fianna doesn't think she's seen him in years. He was always good-looking at school, the sort of boy with a jawline that could cut through steel, but now, he looks a little more rugged, with the same hollowed-out features Regulus' gained over the summer. She wonders if all Death Eaters lose their collagen. Another reason not to join, she thinks.

"Fianna Lupin," says Lucius Malfoy. "How's your brother?"

The werewolf, or the Order member? she thinks, panicking.

"... Well," says Fianna.

"I was certainly surprised when Salome told us about this," says Lucius. "Considering how... quiet you were, the other week. Why did you hide this from us, Black? We wouldn't get upset like the Marauders presumably are."

Fianna frowns. "Why would you react the same? Regulus isn't your brother."

Her eyes widen, the words leaving her mouth before she can stop herself. But, beside her, Regulus is smirking.

"We just weren't sure what people would say," says Regulus. "But Fianna's right. I'm not sure why you're all this concerned about a relationship between teenagers."

Fianna smiles softly, feeling comforted.

"What a... protective partner you are," says Lucius with a sneer. He glances aside to Lestrange, before he decides, "Let's go upstairs. Salome, are you keeping Lupin company?"

"Sure," says Salome, lightly.

Regulus glances at Fianna before he walks away, as if making sure she's fine before leaving her for a while. She watches him walk away, slowly walk up the stairs towards a private room. For the first time in her life, she cannot wait for Regulus Black to return.

"Would you like to see my favourite part of this shop?" says Salome.

"... Yeah, okay," says Fianna, nervously.

She never used to feel this uncomfortable around Salome, awkwardly checking herself, her outfit, her posture, as she trails behind the older girl, through one of the narrow aisles, wandering deeper and deeper into the shop. Secretly, she wishes Regulus' meeting would cut short, or if she could've found an excuse to visit Remus instead. Her entire body feels on-edge, as Salome finally stops walking, standing in front of a display case.

Earrings, necklaces, and different assortments on jewellery sit inside the case, in all types of finishes, some with gemstones and such decorating the metals and chains. Salome leans in, peering at the jewellery. She glances across at Fianna, and smiles warmly.

"Aren't these things sweet?" says Salome. "They've all got different magical properties. It's really quite fascinating, how objects like this can be charmed."

"Yeah, they're pretty..." says Fianna.

"Maybe Reggie can get you one for Christmas," says Salome.

Internally, Fianna goes, We won't be together by then, thank God.

Externally, she says, "Yeah, that'd be nice..."

"My parents got me some earrings from here, last Christmas," says Salome, straightening her posture. Fianna nods, trying to look interested. "They're meant to help you with legilimency. I'm not sure how helpful they've been, but my skill is definitely getting better."

"Really?" says Fianna, trying not to worry. What if she can hear my thoughts?

Salome nods. "It's so fascinating, hearing people's most private conversations. I can only do it when I really concentrate, but still, it's a great tool..." She trails off for a moment, her gaze still fixed on Fianna. "I'm just saying, if you and Regulus happen to be hiding something, there's no point in lying..."

"I don't know what you mean," says Fianna, frowning.

"I'm just saying. I know what your brother's like," says Salome, softly. Fianna doesn't know if this means werewolf or Order. "But I'm happy that you're together, truly — I'd be upset if it didn't work out. You never know, if you guys are still together by the summer, you can always work with me..."

Fianna knows what she means by that — and it makes her feel nauseous.

"I—I don't—"

"No need to decide right now!" says Salome, starting to laugh. "You're so tense! You need to get used to being in these spaces, especially with Reggie..." Fianna wishes the opposite happens. "You know, my brother's having his engagement party at the end of the month, you two should sneak out and come along..."

"Trying to get my girlfriend in trouble, Lestrange?"

Fianna has never felt so relieved to hear Regulus' voice.

He stands next to her; his hand finds her, squeezing it reassuringly. She feels like she could melt... and tries not to think into that.

"No, no... I was just saying, my brother's engagement party is in a couple of weeks, if you'd both like to come?" Salome smiles again, but Fianna isn't sure about how genuine it is. "I'm sure he'd appreciate some more lovebirds at the party. Unless Bellatrix has already invited you?"

Fianna looks at Regulus. She remembers Sirius talking about his cousin, Bellatrix Black — a psycho a few years older than him. Apparently, she used to enchant her dolls to crawl into his room at night, taking enjoyment in his wailing, and subsequent punishments after he woke his parents up. Fianna has never had the misery of meeting Bellatrix, and she really doesn't want to start now.

"Yeah, I was invited," says Regulus. "I'm not sure if it's right for Fianna to go — it's probably not the best time to meet the parents..."

Fianna forgets how to breathe for a second, the awful realisation sinking in that she might have to meet Walburga and Orion Black — and be nice to them, in spite of every awful thing she knows they've done to their eldest son—

"That's a shame," says Salome. She fiddles with one of her earrings, and Fianna panics.

"I guess we can see, though," says Fianna, looking at her fake-boyfriend. "Right, Reg?"

He looks alarmed. "Uh, I guess...?"

Salome starts to smile. "Amazing! I hope you can make it, then."

"... Likewise," says Regulus, sounding like he means the opposite. "We've got to get back to school now, unfortunately..."

"Oh, of course," says Salome. She looks at Regulus as she adds, "Hope Dumbledore's keeping well."

Fianna looks at Regulus, who doesn't say a word; she glances back at Salome, wishing she could decipher whatever that meant, and why Regulus looks so... weird, about it?

"It was lovely seeing you, Fee," says Salome, hugging her again. "Look after yourself, yeah? And make sure Reggie stays out of trouble."

Fianna smiles awkwardly. "Sure."

But Fianna's nervousness doesn't leave her body once they've left Borgin & Burkes. She holds onto Regulus' hand again and they Apparate back to Hogsmeade; as she finds herself on familiar ground again, she breathes a sigh of relief.

Regulus sits down at the table in the room.

"How... was it?"

Fianna frowns. "What?"

"Lestrange, Borgin & Burkes..." Regulus trails off, shaking his head. His hair falls in front of his face, and he swiftly tucks it back behind his ear. "I know it's all a lot to deal with, so I just thought..."

"I don't know how you do it," Fianna says, shrugging. "It just seems so intense. Like, how can you trust any of those people?"

"You can't," says Regulus. "Everyone has their own goal."

"The Order isn't like that," she says softly.

Regulus looks up at her, grimacing. "No? What do they do? Sit in the grass and make daisy chains?"

Fianna blinks. "I... wouldn't know, would I?" she says. "I was just saying, from what I do know they're all working towards one goal, in spite of their differences, and—"

"And they're all perfect, are they?"

She frowns. "When did I say that?"

But he continues. "What special wizards, fighting evil Death Eaters with their best friends. They're just so much better than me, aren't they? Perfect Sirius who didn't get involved in the wrong crowd."

Fianna stares at Regulus, stunned. Where did any of this come from? He asked her how she felt about seeing those Death Eaters, and somehow now he's acting like she said something bad? She didn't mean anything nasty about her comment — but surely this switch isn't all about that?

"I don't think this is about me," says Fianna. She moves to the door, but before she opens it and leaves, she looks over her shoulder at him. He's still sitting down at the table, avoiding her gaze. "Do you seriously want that to be your life?"

She leaves before he can respond — if he was going to reply to that. Her entire body feels agitated, which makes her question why some not she barely knows is making her feel so heated.

The door opens behind her. Regulus looks at her, annoyed.

"We'll get into trouble if we don't walk back together."

Fianna crosses her arms. "Don't want a detention, Reggie?" she says, mimicking Salome.

He glares. "Do you, Miss Head Girl?"

She grumbles. "... No."

"Well, come on then," he says, annoyed. "The quicker we can leave each other alone, the better."

Fianna cannot stand him.

hi sorry it took me SO long to update!! but i wrote the next chapter too so another chapter coming soon!! forgive me pls i hope you enjoyed and let me know what you thought!!<333