That night, when Adena and Regulus met up for patrolling, the first thing she told him was about the meal.

"I hope you saw well, I was eating. And that treacle tart wasn't bad I must say."

Regulus chuckled at her behavior, "You want me to compliment you?"

"You should! I don't usually enjoy my meals as much, I eat less. Not even touching the dessert most of the time, except when it looks really good," she said in a joking tone.

"Then, let me tell you, you did well. Happy now?"

At first she was surprised he did it but then she smiled, satisfied. "Yes, thank you."

And they continued walking in the different hallways and floors of the castle, wands in hands, while chatting quietly. At some point, Adena remembered something.

"Oh, I forgot it was Millie's birthday in a few days. I don't know what to get her."

"It's your other half-blood friend?" just asked the Slytherin in a dull voice, not showing interest.

"Yes, it's her," she answered quietly, glancing at him. "You should know her anyway, you've been attending most of the same classes as her since first year."

"I don't pay attention to others."

"Well, me too. Most of the time. But I do care a little about her, just enough to make me wanna buy her a birthday present. The next Hogsmeade weekend will be coming soon, and I have to find something. Don't you have an idea?" she asked, sounding a bit desperate.

"No, I don't really buy many presents. Even less to girls."

Adena just sighed, "But I'm so bad at present ideas, just think a little, please... The Black family is quite big right? Just think about what your relatives get."

"But my cousins ain't like that girl. What does she like?"

"Muggle things I've never heard of."

This time it was the boy's turn to sigh, "Then offer her something from our world that would be useful."

"I guess I'll have to find out by myself..." sighed the girl. "You're not of great help... anyway, when's your birthday?"

The raven-haired male tensed up but continued walking nonetheless. "January 14."

"Oh, January 14..." murmured the brunette thoughtful before stopping in her tracks. And before Regulus could walk too far ahead of her, she grabbed the sleeve of his robe, making him stop as well, but he didn't turn around, not wishing to meet her gaze. She noticed and decided to walk in front of him, still holding onto his sleeve, as if refraining him from escaping.

Regulus wouldn't look at her, so she muttered in a stern voice, "Black. Look at me."

Her gaze was surprisingly soft when he looked into it, that he could almost melt on the spot.

"Is your birthday today?"

He sighed and replied a small, "Yes."

"But why didn't you tell me!"

"Why would I tell you."

"I don't know, just so I could wish you a happy birthday."

"It's completely useless, I don't care- "

"Who wished you a happy birthday today?" she didn't even realize she was holding onto his wrist by now.

He rolled his eyes, already knowing where this was going. "Nobody did. But as I said it's-"

"I know I know. It's not something that important but it's enjoyable when someone who cares about you greet you, wishing you could be happy on that special day when you were born." The boy's eyes widened at her words.

"That's what my grandmother told me once. Birthday wishes aren't only made to be polite to one another, but to express something more important."

The boy didn't say anything, listening, astonished, to her words.

"A birthday wish is made in the first place to express some care towards a person, wishing them to be happy, thanking them for being born, so they would realize at the same time they are important." By now, she had taken a hold of his slightly larger hand.

"So, I wish you a happy birthday Regulus." He didn't say anything, but the look in his grey eyes was enough to show he was touched. "I don't have anything to offer, but please make a wish."

"I... I don't know. I don't want or need anything."

"Just think, what would make you happy, whatever it is I'll try to grant that one wish."

He thought for a moment, looking at the floor, embarrassed by such a demand.

"Maybe you could... come see my next Quidditch match. In two weeks. It's actually Ravenclaw against Slytherin, perhaps you've heard about it."

"No, I didn't, I'm not interested in sports."

"Then, don't bother comin-"

"Would it make you happy if I actually came?" her voice sounded strict, determined as she said that.

"I don't know. Maybe," muttered Regulus while shrugging.

"Would you be happy if I told you I'm attending your next match?" she repeated, her voice more serious.

"Yeah, I guess so," he said with a sigh. This girl was really stubborn.

"Perfect, I'll be there then." And she smiled at him.

They started walking again, both smiling like idiots. Adena was really happy about her new discovery, and Regulus felt happy she had been so nice to him. They hadn't even noticed they were still holding hands.

"When's your birthday?"

"During summer break. August 26."

"I see. I'll remember."

"Thanks, then."

They came back to the Ravenclaw common room after another short stroll in the corridors. When they stopped in front of the door, Adena turned to face her male companion.

"Were you happy today?"

"Yes, I was."

"Then my wish has been granted. I wished you a happy birthday and seems like you got it."

He laughed a little, giving a gentle squeeze to her hand, looking deep into her hazel orbs.

"I'll leave you for today then," she whispered, but none let go of their hold.

After some long seconds, Regulus said, "Thank you for the birthday wish."

"You're welcome. Have a good night..."

And she slowly let the warmth of his hand go, not breaking eye contact. She smiled one last time at him, before disappearing behind the eagle statue guarding the room. Regulus went back to his own common room, smiling as well.

The day of the match had come quicker than Adena would have thought. The past days weren't as boring and depressing that she would have thought. The situation with her sister still had no change and whenever she would arrive to class feeling gloomy, Regulus would make a small chat, distracting her from the nagging thoughts. By now, it seemed like he knew her well enough to guess when she wasn't feeling good and when he should try to talk or leave her alone. Adena noticed that, he was so clever it was no surprise he had found a way to read her so easily. The brunette even started thinking he was the reason for her to be not as depressed as she was used to be. She knew she was very affected by what was happening but being in Regulus' presence was like a moment where she could forget everything, a true moment of peace.

"Adena? You're attending the match?" asked Jade as the girl was putting on her winter coat.

"What? Ah, yes."

"You finally decided to support your house team?"

The girl shrugged. "Kinda, yeah."

"Well that's new. Jacob's gonna go wild when he'll hear this." Jacob had been one of the chasers of the team since second year, and he had harassed the brunette at least a thousand times, asking her to come watch him.

But the truth was that Adena was not supporting neither Ravenclaw nor Slytherin. She would be supporting Regulus that day.

When the four of them were warmly dressed up, they made their way to the Great Hall to have breakfast. The room was even noisier than usual, all houses feeling excited for another match of Quidditch. Jacob was eating at the Ravenclaw table, just as energetic as ever. He didn't know what stress was when it came to Quidditch.

"Hello girls, ready to scream my name?" asked the blonde boy with a glass of orange juice in hand.

"You're not the only player of the team you know..." said Millie, sighing desperately at his behavior.

"Adena, you're coming?" wondered Isaac, surprised to see her dressed up to go out.

"Yeah, I decided to come today."

"Oh, Adena, thank you for supporting me!" exclaimed Jacob, having almost tears in his blue eyes. He engulfed her into a big hug when she sat next to him, which she now regretted doing.

"Let me breathe you stupid-"

"Okay, sorry, I'm just too excited my little Adena's gonna see me play!"

"It's nothing... now eat or you'll be late," she told him, pouring herself a cup of tea before grabbing a scone as she took the newspaper in front of Jacob since he wasn't reading it. Some moments later, Noah said something in a hushed voice.

"Look, the Slytherin team's leaving..."

They all turned around to see a bunch of Slytherins with their Quidditch uniforms, directing themselves towards the exit. They glared at the Ravenclaw students, and the Ravenclaw team mimicked their glares. Only one of them was looking straight to the front, the seeker, Regulus Black. Adena was looking at him, only hoping he would meet her confident eyes. And he did, the boy just lifted his head towards her before leaving, and she was offering him a small grin. He nodded in thanks before leaving.

"C'mon guys, we gotta beat some ars-"

Before he could continue, the captain of the team had approached, Leonhart Johnson, usually shortened as 'Leo'.  He had placed his hand on the blonde boy's mouth, preventing him for saying any vulgarity. He was a tall guy, looking rather serious which had certainly gained him the position of Captain as well as chaser since fifth year.

"We have to go. Are you all ready?" The team shouted with energy, Jacob doing the same against Leo's palm which made him let go. "Let's go then," he said, his team following him.

"Cheer for me! We're going to party 'till dawn after winning," said Jacob with a confident grin before leaving.

"We should not wait too much. The match's gonna start soon." Everyone nodded at Isaac's words, quickly finishing their food and drinks. Everyone in the Hall started leaving slowly, directing themselves towards the Quidditch pitch. The cold winter wind was still wincing. February is known as a cold month after all. When they were all walking outside, Adena then noticed she had forgotten her scarf. How could she get so easily distracted and forget such things, she thought, groaning internally at her own self. She knew she would survive through the cold but still, she hoped the match wouldn't last too long.

author's note: i really like this chapter :D

and yes i put 'leonhart' on purpose and not the name leonard