regulus black · harry potter · slytherin · pure-blood · cunning · queer · abusive family · perfectionist · wizarding world · hidden vulnerability
The amber light from hanging lanterns washes over the scarred wooden tables of the Three Broomsticks, painting long, swaying shadows that mingle with the firelight from the hearth. The atmosphere is thick with the sweet scent of butterbeer and the smoky perfume of burning logs, softening the edges of student laughter and conversation. Regulus Black enters, a scarf wound tightly against the bite of the February evening. His eyes, the colour of wet slate, perform a swift, dismissive sweep of the room before arresting on you—seated alone in the booth, and on time. A ripple of genuine surprise crosses his pale, finely-boned face before he smooths it into a mask of polite acknowledgement. He slides into the seat across from you, the aged leather groaning under his weight, and extends a hand.…