Cuthbert kept pressing for details. "What did that dark wizard look like? All shifty and sinister? His wand was snapped in half and he still tried to take hostages. Completely insane. If it were me, I'd have hit him with a Disarming Charm on the spot, then followed up with a Binding Spell. Make him eat dirt and stay there."
He grew more animated as he spoke, wrist flicking through imaginary spellwork, mimicking the sharp movements of casting.
"Trash like that deserves to be crushed. We can't let the dignity of Pure-blood families slip."
Alex frowned and shook his head. "It's better to stay out of danger. If something like that happens, your first priority should be your own safety. Dark wizards are capable of anything. There's no point going head-to-head with them."
As he spoke, he shifted a little closer to Regulus, leaning forward unconsciously. "I've heard some of them set up Dark magic traps. Even if you subdue them, you might still get caught by something nasty. It's not worth the risk."
"Safety matters, sure, but you can't be a coward either." Cuthbert slapped the table, drawing a few sideways glances from nearby students.
He raised his voice deliberately. "If you don't even have that much nerve, how are you supposed to stand in the wizarding world later on? We're heirs to Pure-blood families. We can't look easy to bully. Of course, if you really can't win, then you run. Only an idiot fights to the death."
He laughed first, a sly glint in his eyes.
Regulus did not join the debate. He ate quietly.
The roast chicken on his plate was crisp on the outside and tender inside. A light drizzle of sauce was enough. The flavor was just right.
More and more eyes drifted their way. Some were curious. Some envious. A few carried open admiration.
For younger students, personally experiencing a dark wizard hostage incident was thrilling enough to fuel gossip for days.
From the corner of his eye, Regulus noticed movement at the Hufflepuff table. Eleanor Bones stood up and began walking toward him.
Her light brown hair was tied in a loose bun that swayed gently as she moved, a few soft strands catching the light. Susan Payne remained where she was, hands clutching the hem of her skirt, looking nervous. She clearly hesitated at the thought of approaching the Slytherin table.
House barriers at Hogwarts were not absolute, but a Hufflepuff crossing over to Slytherin's table uninvited was rare.
Eleanor did not hesitate. She walked straight over, posture upright, expression open and steady.
"Regulus." She stopped beside him, eyes sweeping briefly over him as if checking for injuries. A flicker of concern passed through her gaze before she smiled. "I saw what happened today. You were really calm. Most people would've panicked."
Her voice was clear, not lowered in the slightest. She even gave him a thumbs-up. "That was pretty cool."
Regulus looked up at her and saw nothing but sincerity.
He shifted slightly to the side, freeing up a seat, and tapped the tabletop lightly with his fingers. "Want to sit?"
Eleanor shook her head and tilted her chin toward Susan. "She's waiting for me. I just came over to check on you."
Her eyes dropped briefly to his plate. "I'm glad you're okay. Hogsmeade's supposed to be a place to relax."
With that, she turned and walked back to the Hufflepuff table, stride just as steady as before, ignoring the looks from around her.
At the Slytherin table, students exchanged glances, surprise evident in their eyes.
A few older students raised their brows but said nothing. A Hufflepuff coming over to chat so openly was unusual.
Then again, she was Eleanor Bones. The Bones family held considerable influence within the Ministry of Magic. No one was eager to make an issue of it.
Regulus's gaze shifted toward the Gryffindor table. James and Sirius were both looking his way.
When James realized Regulus had noticed, he immediately looked away, muttering under his breath. From the shape of his lips, it seemed he was saying that if it had been him, he would've turned the tables.
He frowned, clearly dissatisfied, and jabbed Sirius with his elbow as if seeking agreement.
Sirius, however, did not look away. His gray eyes were complicated. Something almost like concern, though difficult to pin down.
Lily was seated a little farther down the Gryffindor table, idly stirring her pumpkin juice with a spoon.
Regulus saw that she, too, was looking at him. He gave her a slight nod.
Her seat was not far from Sirius, and Sirius misread the gesture as meant for him. He blinked, surprise flashing across his face.
After a brief hesitation, he lifted his hand awkwardly in return and gave a stiff nod, lips tugging into a forced smile.
Just as Regulus was finishing his meal, Lucretius approached, the hem of his dark green cloak brushing the floor.
His expression wore its usual polished smile. He stopped beside Regulus. "Professor Slughorn would like to see us after dinner."
Regulus understood at once. The professor had likely guessed where they had gone.
Slughorn's connections ran deep throughout the wizarding world. Two heirs taken hostage on the same day would not escape his notice.
Regulus nodded and rose. Together, they left the Great Hall and headed toward the Potions classroom.
When they knocked and entered, Professor Slughorn was seated in a wide armchair, a goblet of mead in his hand, faint steam curling upward.
"Ah, come in, come in!" he called warmly. "Fresh Treacle Tart, just out of the oven. Still warm. Care for a slice? I had the kitchen save some. They used fresh mistletoe berries this time. Quite delightful."
Regulus and Lucretius exchanged a glance and both declined.
Regulus stepped forward and stopped politely before the desk. "Professor, you wanted to see us?"
Slughorn set down his goblet. His smile remained, but his eyes sharpened slightly.
"Well now," he said, leaning back and tapping his fingers lightly against the desk in a steady rhythm. "Where exactly did you two go today? Don't tell me you were just strolling about Hogsmeade."
He tilted his head. "When you two get together, it's rarely simple. Lucretius, heir to the Burke family. Regulus, future of the Black family. You don't wander about without purpose."
Slughorn's network stretched everywhere, from high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Magic to shopkeepers in Knockturn Alley. Simply knowing that the heirs of two families had been seen together would be enough for him to draw conclusions.
Regulus and Lucretius exchanged another glance.
Lucretius spoke first, tone steady. "Our families had some matters to coordinate. We went to the Burke residence in Hogsmeade to discuss certain business collaborations."
Slughorn nodded and did not press for details. Pure-blood family dealings were always discreet.
"You weren't hurt, I trust?" he asked, voice softer. "What was it like?"
"No injuries," Regulus replied. "His wand was broken. He wasn't much of a threat. The Aurors arrived quickly."
Slughorn listened, fingers still tapping. Then his tone shifted, a trace of sly amusement slipping in.
"The scent of Knockturn Alley isn't easy to wash off."
Neither boy spoke.
Slughorn looked at Lucretius with a faintly triumphant expression. "You didn't change clothes, did you? I can smell Withered Leaf Newt. Only a handful of shops in Knockturn Alley sell it. It's a key ingredient for Obliviate enhancers. You won't find it in ordinary places."
Lucretius's expression did not change. He inclined his head slightly. "We did stop by Borgin and Burkes to settle a few remaining matters. We didn't stay long."
Slughorn sighed, his tone growing more serious, genuine concern edging into his voice.
"Lucretius, you've grown up around that environment. You've seen your share of Dark artifacts. I'm less worried about you. But Regulus, it's still too early for you to be wandering Knockturn Alley."
He continued, "You'll find all sorts there. Dark wizards, smugglers, even Werewolves. One misstep and you're in trouble. I understand family obligations, but do be careful. Don't go alone to places like that. Having an elder accompany you is far safer."
Both boys listened respectfully, offering no argument.
Seeing this, Slughorn waved a hand and relaxed his tone. "All right. You're not children. You know what you're doing. Family duties must be carried, but your safety comes first. Off you go. And if there's ever something you can't handle, you can come to me."
Regulus and Lucretius turned to leave.
"Regulus," Slughorn called suddenly. "Stay a moment. I'd like a word with you alone."
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Stone Plzzzz