Adena got a letter from Jade in the first days of August, asking if she was available for the next Saturday, planning a shopping afternoon obviously. She was happy to finally meet all of her friends. Since she couldn't Apparate yet, she went using Floo Powder. The young girl was surprised to see Jacob arrive not long after her.

"You failed the exam?" was the first thing she said.

"Ah! Don't mention it!" he groaned but let out a frustrated sigh after. "I left my whole hair behind. Happily, I got it back but still."

Adena couldn't help but laugh at him. Because he failed for the second time but also the image of him bald looking way too funny.

"Stop making fun of me!"

Just a few seconds later, the others Apparated one by one next to them, and the two were engulfed in big hugs. Adena wasn't a fan of physical affection but every time she met back with them, she loved having their welcoming embrace.

"Even Noah got his license before you but he's younger," said the brunette to the blonde boy.

"Actually, I got it the second time," said the boy.

"At least you got it. Unlike some."

"You jerk, when do you sit the exam?" exclaimed Jacob.

"August 27th."

"Okay, I'll be there you'll see."

"If you want." And she laughed again. After catching up and Eugenia gifting everyone snow globes from Paris where the snow could magically never stop falling on the Eiffel Tower, they went on with their shopping.

"How went your sister's N.E.W.Ts?" asked Millie as they were walking.

"Good. She worked hard enough to have the minimum to start her Healer studies."

"A Healer? Didn't know she was that ambitious," said Jade surprised.

"Me too. I actually got to know some weeks ago."

"You were interested in becoming a Healer too, right?" asked now Eugenia.

"Yeah. But in the end, something in Astronomy would suit me better I think."

"Personally, I still want to be an Auror," answered the girl.

"And I still have no idea what to do with my life," said Jade with a laugh. She might be the most serious and mature of them all, but she had no idea of what to do in the future. "I might just travel and enjoy my youth while you'll be caught up with work and starting a family."

That was the usual for young witches and wizards of their time, especially in a time of war, but Jade seemed like she would stay free and out of this mess.

"Jade stop talking about that, we're still young and free," said Jacob.

"And we're still students," added Isaac.

They bought their school supplies and basically enjoyed their time together for the following hours. They eventually had some ice dream as well since the summer heat was too unbearable. They said their goodbyes at six o'clock, already planning to visit Adena after her birthday which made her feel excited.

When they left, the girl walked out of Diagon Alley by the Leaky Cauldron and arrived in the Muggle London streets. She walked a little, knowing she would find Regulus soon enough. Her stuff was all packed in a magically extended bag.

She walked and walked, passing by Muggles coming back from work, or just enjoying the summer evening. She didn't know these streets at all but happily she spotted her boyfriend coming her way. A wide smile instantly broke on her face, feeling happy just by seeing his figure.

He hugged her once he was close enough, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him without hesitation. Regulus kissed her back with a smile, then murmured, "I missed you" against her lips.

"Me too," she said back, looking at him.

He let go of her, taking her hand and walking with her. "How was your afternoon?"

"It was so much fun. We had ice cream and caught up. Isaac went to Morocco and Eugenia to France and they brought some souvenirs. They had many things to talk about. Whenever they travel they always have fun stories to tell us."

Regulus hummed, listening to her words. "That's great if you had a fun day."

"Yeah. And Jacob failed his Apparate exam for the second time."

"What an idiot," snorted the boy.

"I know," sighed Adena. She continued talking, Regulus listening quietly, letting out a few comments from time to time. She felt better when she talked to him, he was listening closely to every one of her words, he made her feel at ease, made her feel like she could tell him anything. And as she was the type to listen to the others, when the opposite happened it felt good as well.

"Why don't you tell me about your day or anything?"

"I waited to meet you the whole day and I didn't do anything else."

"Oh. You don't do anything the other days?"

"Meeting with my family. Death Eaters' meetings sometimes."

Adena stayed quiet after that, thinking about his words. Then she said more quietly, "When are you... going to have it?"

"It's next week."

"Okay. You don't feel nervous?"

"No," was his quick reply. "By the way, I asked my mother if we could have you for dinner on the 25th, and she agreed."

"Really? Thank you!" she exclaimed, tightening her hold on his hand.

"I can't wait. We'll have fun you'll see."

She had no doubt, she was always enjoying herself with Regulus, and she knew her birthday would be a great day with him.

Afterwards, Regulus led her in quieter streets. The heat was more bearable now, the atmosphere felt so great. They had a long stroll in a park. The day couldn't end in a better way. Just being with her boyfriend, enjoying this calm moment by his side, sharing small conversations. She loved being with him.

"I love being with you," she whispered as she thought that.

"And I love you," said next the boy, making her smile like an idiot. It felt like he knew perfectly how to make her heart flutter.

They sat on a bench afterwards, loving the peaceful nature surrounding them. Adena let her head fall on Regulus' chest as his arm circled her body. His embrace felt safe and comforting. She had never felt that way except in his arms. From the first time he had a hold of her, she got to love the feeling.

"Can we stay here forever..." whispered the brunette with a smile, her eyes admiring the quiet nature, illuminated by the evening sun.

"I'd love that," he whispered back, kissing her hair affectionally.

"Let's stay there for as long as we can."

And they stayed there for a while. Until the sun started setting. Regulus Apparated them back in front of her mansion. They shared a sweet kiss, that lasted for a moment, none of them clearly wanting to let go.

"I'll pick you up the 25th at four. Are you okay with this?"

"Yes, perfect," she answered as she slowly caressed his dark curls. "I'm going now, bye..."

She smiled at him and detached herself. He smiled at her and vanished suddenly. She felt happy, the sensation he brought to her still present, and the excitement she felt regarding her birthday kept her away from any negative feeling.

Later that evening, Adena asked her parents if she could meet with Regulus and sleep over at his house and they obviously said yes. The Winsten girls had always been very independent and free which was a chance they must admit. Marshall and Juliet completely trusted their two daughters, even when the eldest would be going to party at friends' houses, they had never heard about. They had been taught to be mature at a young age. It was also one of the reasons why Candace did not say anything when Adena had mentioned her sleepover, she didn't wish to interfere with her choices at the moment and preferred staying quiet even though Adena didn't miss the annoyed stare she gave her.

author's note: wow wait 20k soon? that's crazy thank you. i don't know if people are awaiting updates, i'm sorry for not finding time. i was busy as always, but happily i met my favorite group recently, i've been a fan of them since i was 16 haha. anyway i'll be caught up with exams and work for the next few weeks so it'll be hard to keep updating, but then i'll be free! (for like a month but still)