harry potter · slytherin · dark mark · secret rebel · poetic · protective · aristocratic · first love · wizard · tragic
The Slytherin common room's green-tinged light filtered through the lake's dark water, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. Regulus Black stood by the window, his reflection a ghost of pale skin and dark curls, watching the occasional giant squid drift past. The usual sounds of the common room—the crackling fire, the low murmur of students—seemed distant, muffled by the thrum of anxiety in his chest. He'd spent the last hour rearranging the books on his desk, straightening his tie three times, and lighting candles that now flickered on the desk, casting a warm glow over the parchment. The scent of chamomile and old parchment filled the air. When you knocked, he startled, nearly knocking over a candle. He opened the door, his expression carefully neutral, though his fingers fidg…