The holidays continued calmly for Adena. Her days consisted of doing her homework which was really boring. Her sister was also studying hard the whole time, making her more impressed as well. One day, by the end of the holidays however, Candace came into Adena's room to have a chat.

"Do you remember what I said about your boyfriend?" was her first question.

"You've said plenty of things," replied the brunette.

"I said, I know what he is. Sirius told me he might be one of them by now. Adena, is this true?" she was glaring at her as she spoke, anger building in her.

The young girl didn't know what to say and chose to remain quiet.

"You knew all along, right? You know he's a fucking Death Eater and from the beginning, uh?" she started screaming but the brunette didn't flinch.

"You really disgust me Adena. I didn't know you'd go this far with someone like him."

"I don't care... I don't care anymore... Let me live my life like I want to," spat the girl at her older sister.

"I won't interfere. It's too late. Either you see the wrong yourself or either you stay in the wrong."

That was the last time they spoke for the whole holidays.

Her words had struck her, that was the only thing on her mind, she had even forgotten about Regulus picking her up for the year's end party organized by his family.

"Adena, you aren't ready?" said his voice as he entered the girl's room. She was in her night gown, sitting at her desk and finishing some essay.

"Regulus... I forgot... wait I'll be right back!" she exclaimed as she got up, rushing to her closet to choose an elegant dress for the night, and as she was about to run out the door, she still took time to kiss her boyfriend she hadn't seen in days.

She got out after some minutes and quickly came back to Regulus who was looking at the only picture of them together placed on her wall.

"I'm sorry, we're not late, right?" she asked nervously.

"Don't worry," he told her, reaching her side, then gently wrapping one arm around her waist and the girl didn't resist snuggling close to him until her face was against his strong chest. She didn't care about getting late anymore, she only needed some time in her boyfriend's arms. 

Before she knew it, they apparated in a snowy garden in front of a huge mansion.

"It's cold..." muttered the girl as she felt goosebumps all over her skin.

"Let's get inside then. This is my grandparents' house by the way, I believe you remember them."

"You've got too many family members..." answered Adena as they reached the door while he chuckled.

When they entered, they were welcomed by the warmth of the place as well as loud chatters coming from a room not too far away from the entrance hall. Regulus led her as she looked around the house, thinking it was very sophisticated and well decorated.

"Here we are." They had reached the large room, resembling a ballroom, where many wizards and witches were discussing together. "Let's greet them now." She nodded and followed Regulus around, going to greet people she sometimes remembered the names or faces, or sometimes couldn't point out their identity at all which she covered well. However, everyone seemed to remember her rather well. Meeting again with Walburga Black was not the best moment of the night but she acted polite, nonetheless.

"Here you are. You were late, weren't you?" asked a high-pitched voice behind them.

When they turned around, the couple was met with Regulus' cousin, Bellatrix which still had that sadist grin on her pale, ghostly face.

"Yes, we were but why do you care," replied the boy with a sigh.

"I'm just curious that's all." And she let out a high-pitched laugh afterwards.

"Bella stop bothering them," said Narcissa coming behind them. "I'm glad to see you together again, you make such a beautiful pair."

Adena gave her a small smile as Regulus said, "You think so, too?"

"Yes, I can't wait for Adena to be officially part of the family!" exclaimed the blonde girl and a reassuring feeling spread into Adena.

"Me too, right Adena?"

"Yes... can't wait to have you as my cousin," she told Narcissa.

"What about me?" asked Bellatrix in a snooty tone.

"Of, course you too." And she gave her a fake smile in response. Who would want to have her as a relative, the look in her black eyes told already enough on how deranged she was.

They left them after the three cousins finished their conversation, Adena preferring not to interfere in their stories. Then they just ate and walked around, greeting more people.

"It's the first time we get to start the year together," said the brunette suddenly.

"You're right. What will you do in 1979?" he said, turning his head to face her.

"Graduate obviously. Then I hope I'll start travelling and studying astronomy. What about you?"

"I will follow you around," instantly replied the boy. She stared wide eyed at him before chuckling.

"Sounds like a good idea."

"I hope so 'cause I don't have other plans."

"Being a Death Eater won't be your full-time job, though?"

"No, but I'll find a way to balance both, you'll see."

"Anyway, the war will eventually end one day so it'll be more peaceful, safer..." she whispered, suddenly remembering in what time they were living.

He side-hugged her tightly then told her, "I can't wait, it'll be easier, and we'll be travelling like you want to."

His words made her dream. She allowed herself to in that instant. She couldn't help but wish for peace to be back again, so they could both live safely by each other's side. Everything coming from him was reassuring, making her hope for better times to come.

Obviously, when the party ended, Adena and Regulus came home to his house. The girl was exhausted. Being with these snobbish people whose only conversation topic was the rising of the Dark Lord and the pure-blood supremacy was so tiring, and she quickly got fed up. She knew she would eventually have to become one of them, but she would never get used to their horrid conversations. And so, once the two were in Regulus' room she quickly got rid of her dress before finding something more comfortable among her boyfriend's clothes, like a blue sweater which was the first thing she found. She put it on under the gaze of her boyfriend who hadn't moved away from his spot just looking at how comfortable she was getting. The raven-haired male only started speaking when she was lying under the covers, her face nuzzled in his pillow.

"Are you tired?" he quietly said as he started removing his suit to put on his pajamas.

She only hummed in response, not moving her face from the pillow. He smiled at the sight and joined her side when he was ready. Regulus started petting her hair gently and she finally turned to him.

"I'll sleep soon if you do that," she mumbled.

"Just sleep then."

She let go of the pillow to instead place her face against his chest, getting lulled by his peaceful heartbeat. She inhaled his scent, loving to get intoxicated by it and ended up falling asleep under his soft caresses. And just as she was starting to get unconscious, she could hear the voice of her boyfriend faintly murmuring, "I love you."

Waking up in her boyfriend's arms felt always so good for Adena. She felt completely enveloped by his warmth, scent and safety, such an incredible feeling. After finally getting out of bed and taking a late breakfast, they went out to visit Diagon Alley. The first day of the year was unsurprisingly cold, and the empty streets of London were all covered in snow. Diagon Alley was just as empty. It was also filled with a tense atmosphere, making the few people feel insecure out there. Adena realized how much times had changed in the few months where she was at Hogwarts, it was really saddening. Even in Regulus' presence, Adena couldn't help but feel slightly afraid. She knew that if a Death Eater attack were to occur in the streets of Diagon Alley she wouldn't be a victim but imagining that she could witness such things made anxiety course through her body. Luckily for her they didn't stay long, just taking the time to buy school supplies as well as Adena getting rid of her boyfriend for a few minutes so she could buy him a birthday present. They went back to the Muggle London afterwards, enjoying the rare emptiness there. It was still cold, but the brunette liked the fresh air brushing her cheeks since she didn't go out these past days.

The two eventually let go of each other. It was only a matter of days before they could meet again but at this point, Adena knew she was completely addicted to Regulus to the point that she hated any separation whether it was for a short or long time, even if it was for three days. She could guess that was how love was supposed to feel, and it was the strongest feeling she had ever felt.

So, the girl felt rather excited to come back to Hogwarts. Not only because she was seeing her boyfriend again but also because she was going to meet her friends again. She was especially happy to be back so she could leave the tense atmosphere of her house. Candace still wouldn't talk to her. She could only hope that seeing her friends would put her in a somehow joyful mood. Their brightness was much needed at the moment.

author's note: happy new year!! i hope you had fun holidays and celebrated well if you had any celebrations! i did, it was nice! the next chapters are going to be interesting, i like them a lot