There was barely any day that Ariel and Regulus wouldn't spend together. Aside from family and Death Eater duties, they had free time which they chose to spend together. And it was mostly chatting, kissing and more. In some rare times they would be doing their homework. Ariel's N.E.W.T.s exams were coming up six months later so he knew how to be serious when he needed to. But his priority remained Regulus during those days. They would just get lost in each other's arms, discovering themselves, feeling intoxicated by lust, after having discussed about anything and everything. It was their holidays routine. And it felt too perfect, too idyllic. The least amusing day was the last day of the year. The year-end party pure-blood families adored to attend. Ariel absolutely hated these. After spending days being more authentic and honest by Regulus' side than what he had ever been in his life, such formality for him now appeared unbearable.

He was glad the party happened to be at Regulus' house this year. His mother seemed delighted to have so many guests, and looked so proud to show off luxurious and valuable ornaments that her family had been owning for centuries. She definitely adored playing the good host.

When Ariel arrived, accompanied by his parents, the first thing he did was to make his way to the kitchen, where Regulus told him he would be. And so he unexpectedly found him down there, having a small chat with his house elf. He didn't want to bother them but Regulus put an end to the conversation as soon as he spotted Ariel by the doorframe. He smiled, came up to him, and kissed him, before turning around, checking on Kreacher preparing up the food and the drinks.

"You took your time."

"I know how to be expected," cheekily replied the blond boy, a smirk on his face. The other boy sighed before turning around to sit back down at the kitchen table. He started to talk with the elf again who seemed very busy. Ariel stayed quiet and just listened to their small chat. He knew he would be requested to talk for the whole night. He sat there for a while and enjoyed the calm of the room, until Kreacher went up with more appetizers and drinks.

"The night has yet to start and you look tired already," said Regulus, getting him out of his thoughts.

"Hm? You think so?"

"It's only a matter of six or seven hours. Could you bear this until we go to sleep?"

"Are you trying to be reassuring?" chuckled the boy lightly, as he turned around to face him. "It's so fucking long."

"I know," said the boy with a laugh as he placed his hand on the blond boy's one, knowing this gesture would more be reassuring than anything else. And Ariel appreciated the comfort.

"Boys! Here you are! We're waiting for you upstairs!" suddenly said the voice of Narcissa from behind them. Regulus let go of Ariel's hand and turned around the same time he did. "Come on. It's Walburga that called you up, wondering where you went. Many interesting girls are here tonight, so just have fun," she added with a small excited smile.

Both Ariel and Regulus knew what interesting meant. The girls themselves were devoid of interest but their situation was interesting. They got up, trying to not display any boredom then followed her upstairs.

The reception room was crowded, and Ariel already felt overwhelmed by the sight but covered this up with a small smile.

"Reggie, there's Irelyn Burke I wanted you to see. She's very kind," cooed Narcissa as she led Regulus to one side of the room.

Ariel refrained himself from laughing upon hearing this. He knew Irelyn Burke and she was far from kind. This girl was a fifth-year that would often send nasty remarks to her female housemates and she looked like she was taking pleasure in doing so.

The boy then started walking into the crowd, getting ready to greet the numerous guests present there. Narcissa was right when she said 'interesting' girls were there among the guests. He spotted many of his female housemates, and they spotted him too of course.

Fannie Kellet approached him rather quickly. He wished he could get away but he knew he couldn't. His father had mentioned her recently, saying he had good relations with her father and that Ariel should have good relations with the girl too. Some years ago, he would have executed the duty, without much interest of course, only appreciating the attention, and he wouldn't have complained. However, as time passed, Ariel hated more and more this duty. He just wanted to escape the place but he felt stuck on his feet as he watched Fannie Kellet walking towards him, with her short black hair bouncing around her face and her perfect smile, like she had been taught to do.

"Hello Ariel, I thought you would never come," she started, letting out a chuckle.

"Hello, Fannie. I thought I would never too," replied Ariel jokingly even though it was the most honest thing he had ever told her.

"What a jokester you are Ariel," she said, giggling a little.

"I'm here to entertain you after all. I wouldn't want you to get bored," his smooth voice answered, while looking at her with his blue eyes- that had most likely lost any glint - and sending her a charming look in the meantime, making her flush red.

"I... I'm glad to see you here then!" she told him with a bashful smile.

"Your words mean a lot, thank you," said the boy, acting moved while taking one of her hand in a thanking gesture before letting it go.

All around them, he could feel stares of girls coming from all corners of the room, analyzing, observing, plotting on how to get on Ariel's good side that night. Something he hadn't expected was to cross eyes with a pair of stormy grey irises. Something he loved more than anything was having Regulus' eyes on him, no matter where he was, his gaze knew where to find Ariel and it brought such a great satisfaction and comfort to the older boy.

Way too soon for him Daisy Parkinson came up to him. He was glad their encounter remained short as she didn't seem to be interested in talking that night, and like him, she looked like she wanted to escape. He asked questions, such as how was life as a graduated from Hogwarts now, if she had plans for the future - which she unsurprisingly didn't. Girls from this community were educated to be perfect little wives and give perfect little pureblood children, not to pursue a career. Not that they even had the brains for this, thought the boy. He just understood she was waiting her turn to be married. From what his father had told him, Daisy's father was in a tight as to who he should give his daughter for marriage. Ariel only hoped it wouldn't be him.

Rhea Sutcliffe then joined him once Daisy Parkinson had left. He was eating and drinking in a corner of the room, enjoying a little break while observing the room but this moment of slight peace only lasted too short.

"Ariel, what are you doing all by yourself?" exclaimed the girl, coming close to him.

"Oh, Rhea. I was waiting for you of course," he replied with a faint smirk and the girl beamed.

"I should have come before, my bad."

"It's no problem really. I enjoyed that small moment of calm. But nothing can be better than the company of a pretty girl."

"Me? Oh, Ariel, how charming," she answered, giggling.

It sounded so fake to his ear. It was all an act he knew it. As far as Ariel got to know Rhea, he knew she was one of the least stupid girls in his house, despite being three years younger than him. But that wouldn't stop her from chasing him until she would be his wife, like the other girls.

"Should we go for a walk?" she next asked "The atmosphere here... it's too much. I'd like to go somewhere quieter." She had an hopeful glint in her big black eyes as she asked this.

"As you wish," he answered, offering up his arm which she gladly took.

He could see the approbative nod of his father as he left the room. Abraxas Malfoy was probably expecting a lot from his son with this even though this would lead to nothing.

"Do you know your way around? It'd  be comical to get lost," said Rhea, giggling.

"I know this house very well, don't worry. We won't get lost if that's what you fear," he told her, trying to sound reassuring with a hint of humor.

"As long you as you're here, I have nothing to fear," said the girl, tightening her grip on his arm and letting her head fall on his shoulder as they slowly walked around the floors, admiring the rather strange decoration, typical of the House of Black.

The gestures of the girl made Ariel slightly uncomfortable but he refrained himself from expressing his discomfort. He couldn't possibly reject the girl's touch, although he hated how clingy she was being.

At some point they stopped to admire a painting from the XVIth century adorning a corridor. Rhea had been stuck to Ariel's side for long minutes now and he was glad she suddenly detached herself. However he realized it wasn't for the best.

"Ariel, I need to tell you something," she murmured, her eyes stuck on the floor.

"What is that Rhea? I'm all ears," replied the blond boy with a sweet voice.

"You might already know it, but I've liked you for a while now. Even last year and..."

Ariel didn't say anything, and was even looking bored now, but the girl was only staring down at her feet.

"I was wondering if you and I could... you know... hang out together, maybe go on a date at Hogsmeade and such-"

"No," said Ariel cutting her off and she looked up, shock upon her features. The cold, hard, expression of the boy surprised her even more.

"W-what?"

"I said no. I'm not interested in you," he replied emotionlessly.

More than once, Ariel had to reject girls' confessions. And he would always say the same thing. 'I'm not interested in you.' And every time they would ask the same thing.

"Who are you interested in then?"

"Nobody," he would say. But this time it was a lie.

She frowned a little and seemed to be thinking hard, pondering over what to say or to do, rather than looking sad by the rejection. She then did something that surprised Ariel a lot. She leaned in so suddenly that Ariel almost didn't have time to avoid the kiss she was about to give him.

He frowned, and took some steps back. "Rhea! What are you-"

"Ariel?" said another voice, cutting him off.

Regulus came into sight, having probably found them by Ariel's voice. "What's happening here?" he then asked, furrowing his brows in confusion as well.

Rhea Sutcliffe fled off of the place, looking like she was fuming, only confusing Regulus even more.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"What happened?" asked the raven-haired boy more firmly.

"Nothing. I need a cigarette."