On the first of August, Adena discovered with surprise that her N.E.W.Ts results had arrived. Since taking care of her mother had become the only essential thing for her now, she had also forgotten about her exams. She got the letter at breakfast. Candace was down with her at the moment and she seemed rather excited to see as well.

"I've got my eight N.E.W.Ts. Even Herbology. Though I got an Exceed Expectations."

"That's great Adena! You should show this to Mum!" told her Candace.

She agreed and walked upstairs while finishing her toast.

"Mum... I've got my N.E.W.Ts results," said the brunette while slowly entering the room. Her mother was still lying in her bed, feeling tired, but there was some progress.

"Really? How many did you get?"

"I've got my eight N.E.W.Ts."

"That's incredible. I'm very proud of you darling," said her mother, smiling weakly at her.

"Thank you, Mum. You know I mostly work hard to please you and Dad."

"You've done that perfectly then."

The day was starting so well for the brunette. Pleasing her mother in those times was all she wished for. 

By the end of the afternoon, it was already time for Adena to prepare to meet Regulus. Once again, she felt a little anxious about leaving her mother. She could never be sure if she was truly okay and it was so worrisome. She decided to put on a navy blue dress, very ordinary, but still pretty, nonetheless. Her hair was her usual mass of brown curls, tied up on the side with Regulus' golden hair clip he had gifted her two years ago. Finishing with just a hint of her sister's makeup and she was fine enough to visit her boyfriend's family.

The brunette was very surprised to discover that the boy had already arrived home and was in fact having a discussion with her mother.

"You're ready darling," said Juliet as her daughter entered the room, making Regulus turn around to have a look at her. "Go have fun now."

"Bye Mum. See you tomorrow."

"It was nice to meet you again Mrs Winsten," said the raven-haired male walking out the room after Adena.

Before she could speak, she was already engulfed in his warm and comforting embrace, all she had wished for these past weeks. The girl wrapped her arms around the boy's neck, hugging just as tightly as him.

"I've missed you so much..." she murmured with a sigh of contentment.

"Me too, so much. I hate being away from you," he whispered, his face going to hide in the crook of her neck.

She closed her eyes when feeling his breath and lips so close to her skin just where she wanted to be kissed. Her delicate fingers went unconsciously through his locks.

"I hate it too. But it feels better now."

His face went to meet hers again, getting closer until he was able to touch her lips. It felt like she had been dreaming of his kisses for so long. Weeks apart only, but it was unbearable. 'How could I live without him for fifteen years', she thought as her lips responded to the kiss that left her breathless.

"Ready to go?"

"Wait..." she quietly murmured. Her hands went to take a hold of his face and she looked into his pretty shinning eyes before offering him a kiss again. "We're good now."

He smiled stupidly at her and grabbed her hand. Next, they were apparating in a house she recognized. The Malfoy manor. They were in an empty hall, and Regulus quickly led them to the ball room, where all the guests were present.

"Oh, here they are," said a voice from the side that Adena recognized.

"Hello Cissy," said Regulus to his cousin.

"Reg, Adena, I'm happy to see you again," replied the blonde woman, with her usual kindness. Adena felt surprised when she offered her a quick hug. She hadn't expected her to be so familiar, but she accepted the gesture, nonetheless. Narcissa must have been the only bearable person in Regulus' family.

"Oh, the two love birds are here," said a voice just as recognizable from behind. Except that it was least enjoyable. Bellatrix then appeared in front of them, looking just as hysterical as ever.

"Nice to see you too Bella."

"Is your girl mute?" she asked with disdain, but the evil grin on her face wouldn't be wiped off.

"I'm sorry. Good evening, Bellatrix."

"Isn't this the first time I hear you talk?" she asked, laughing hysterically.

"Bella, stop this, she must be shy," intervened Narcissa, and Adena gave her a small smile in thanks.

"Yes Bella, please stop," sternly added the male at her side.

"Come on, I'm just joking. She's almost part of the family, it's normal to be familiar and give her a little tease," she threw one last glance at Adena who looked emotionless, almost bored, before leaving.

"I'm sorry, my sister is just too much sometimes."

"It's okay. I have a sister too," replied Adena smiling, perfectly understanding her feeling even though those sisters were much different.

"Oh... Candace Winsten, yeah..." she answered quietly. Adena had no doubt she knew her sister. Narcissa wasn't much older than her so obviously she knew her, especially since Candace had been friends with her cousin Sirius, since first year. And now she regretted mentioning her sister because it felt a little awkward between them. "Lucius must be wondering where I am, so I'm leaving you now."

"I shouldn't have talked about my sister," murmured the brunette when the blonde woman had left.

"It's okay. I don't think Narcissa's gonna say anything about your sister. Actually, she doesn't care. She's talked about her before since they went to school together, she's aware of her acquaintances too, but she told me she wouldn't mention this to anyone."

"She's considered a blood-traitor I already know that anyway."

"But you didn't forget that Cissy and Bella have another sister. She's also considered a blood-traitor for marrying with a Mudblood but Cissy was actually close to her."

"I see. That's a sad story. I hope it won't end up the same with my sister..."

"It's not like you reject her."

"But she's the one rejecting me..." sighed the brunette.

"But she still cares about you. Don't think about this..." The boy stopped in the middle of his sentence.

"Regulus, what's the problem?" asked Adena confused.

"The Dark Lord requested a meeting," he just answered.

Unconsciously, the brunette went to take a hold of Regulus' left forearm where was resting the Dark Mark.

"It's been one year now. It's more bearable," he murmured when she started rubbing circles onto his arm through his sleeve where she expected a soothing contact to be made.

Barely a few seconds later, only silence remained in the room as the Dark Lord made his appearance. His red bloody eyes roamed the entire room just like last time, but this time he didn't pay attention to Adena and she was glad.

"Well, my dear companions. It's time," hissed his low voice, sounding like a snake. The girl let her boyfriend go, offering him a small comforting smile at the same time. And then she found herself alone.

She only stayed in one corner of the large room, waiting for Regulus, while discussions started again. After a while, she noticed a woman walking up to her and she groaned internally at the sight.

"Well, well, isn't it young Adena. I thought you would never come greet us," said Walburga Black, in her usual disdainful voice.

"I apologize Mrs Black. I had other things in mind, and I was especially focused on my conversation with Narcissa and Bellatrix since my arrival."

"Hm. I see. I forgive you for this time but have better manners from now on. Let's greet other guests, shall we?"

"Sure..." And she reluctantly followed Walburga through the crowd, where she greeted people she knew and people she didn't. They screamed false, with their false mannerism, their false joyful tone, their false smiles. Nothing was genuine about them; it was only an act. It was unbearable but Adena kept her calm. It wasn't the first time, and surely not the last time. If her destiny was linked to Regulus as she thought, her universe would only be filled with that kind of things in the future. And so, the whole time, she could only think of Regulus, wondering when he would come back again so she could escape this hell.

author's note: and i'm back! physically and online. i came back from my trip in germany yesterday and i missed writing. i don't know if you've checked my playlists but i'm quite a big fan of troye sivan, i use his songs everywhere. turned out i finally saw, after being a fan since i was a teenager!!!! i also have a pic with him and i'll flex until i die. overall i met so many people and had lots of fun

ANYWAY i do have a surprise for you, for the hundredth chapter (which is a little bland i know) and since i've published this story over 2 years ago already?!!!?? so here's a quiz, i love quizzes, have fun https://uquiz.com/l622xL (bruh fck wp i commented the link so you could click on it)