The Art of Dying - R. Black

twenty

Song for the third part of the chapter: Washing Machine Heart - Mitski

- - - - -

He's not in class.

Halfway through breakfast, Professor Slughorn said something to him. Regulus's face dropped momentarily, and the two of them left the Great Hall.

I got through my last class without seeing him. Not even a glimpse of the black-haired boy. He wasn't in class, wasn't in the corridors, wasn't at lunch.

"Oi, Rosier!" I called.

Evan stops walking, turning to look at me. I caught him alone, which is rare. He's usually with Regulus or Barty, Emma or Lucinda on occasion.

"What's up, McKinnon?" He asks, peering into my eyes.

I shift on my feet, suddenly regretting seeking him out.

"Come to profess your love for me?" Evan teases. "Because you'll have to get in line."

I rolled my eyes at him, thankfully that he knew how to lighten the mood.

"Where's Reg-, Black?" I questioned, correcting myself.

Evan raises an eyebrow at me. "Slughorn had some answers for him about some potion or dumb thing that Reg asked about. Bloody overachiever. After that I'm pretty sure he went to the library-, or the astronomy tower, I'm not quite sure. But I'd assume he's in our dorm now."

"Astronomy tower?"

"Yeah," Evan says, "It's his favorite place in the castle. Anyways, why're you asking?"

His favorite place in the castle.

I press my lips together, faking an annoyed look. "I want to make sure that git isn't going to miss our patrol tonight."

"Hmm, fair enough," Evan commented. He looks down at my covered neck then back up at me. "Just don't get caught, I can only imagine the gossip that would ensue. It would be quite the scandal."

He knows. He definitely knows.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about, Rosier."

Evan smiles, "Yes, you do. Reg is my best friend, so even if he's all brooding and 'mysterious' it's not that hard to put it all together."

I'm pretty sure my jaw drops open just slightly.

"Don't worry, McKinnon," Evan said. "I'll make sure that lover boy doesn't miss patrol."

Evan winks at me before turning away, taking the staircase down to the dungeons.

What could be so important to know about that Regulus would skip class?

I'm pretty sure he's never even been late, let alone skip a class. I think back to fourth year, when Reg got knocked unconscious off his broom during a match against Ravenclaw. He had a broken nose and a dislocated knee. But, come Monday morning, he was sitting in front of me in Charms, punctual as always.

What is he on about?

- - - - -

Regulus Black

I stare up at the expensive green silk of my bed canopy, already getting irritated with the noise coming from the common room.

I reach for my watch on my nightstand, checking the time.

Classes are done.

Setting my watch back down, my sleeve rides up and I can't help but stare at my forearm,