It was the fourth day of December.

Regulus made sure that the door to the bathroom was locked before he turned to the mirror, instantly breaking down. There were bags under his eyes, larger than ever before. Blood was pouring from his nose. His knuckles were bruising to blue and yellow. And don't even mention the Dark Mark burning on his arm; he didn't want to think about it.

It didn't take long before tears were rolling down his cheeks and into the sink, soft sobs escaping his lips.

"Don't cry again," said a light, silky voice. Regulus jumped, instantly hushing himself. "It hurts, I know, but you're stronger than the demons."

He turned, wide-eyed and speechless. Behind him stood the girl from the Three Broomsticks, looking at him with tears in her eyes.

"Who are you?" asked Regulus, reaching to wipe his nose. He wondered how dumb he really was - a stranger had broken into his home and was now standing behind him, in his own bathroom, asking him not to cry, and all he could ask was who she was.

The girl grew just as wide-eyed as he had at the question. The glowing white color around her body grew just a bit weaker. "You can see me?"

"Why wouldn't I?" asked he now, wondering why he did not feel mad at her. There was something about her that calmed him.

"Regulus," whispered the girl, and at once, her white wings spread. "We are long overdue for a chat."