𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆, regulus black

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟕𝟕: 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚

On the morning of the Quidditch final match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, excitement buzzed through the air at Hogwarts like static electricity before a storm. Students chattered eagerly over breakfast in the Great Hall, their voices rising above the clatter of dishes and the rustle of robes.

Regulus sat at the Slytherin table, picking at his food, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Rune. He stole furtive glances around the Hall, searching for any sign of her. 

Beside him, Rabastan, Evan, and Barty discussed Mulciber's sudden misfortune, their voices carrying a mix of amusement and curiosity. Regulus couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at Mulciber's discomfort, knowing full well the cause behind it.

Mulciber's normally haughty demeanor had been replaced by a comical attempt to hide his affliction, with a beanie pulled low over his forehead and a scarf wrapped tightly around his neck. Yet, despite his efforts to conceal the red splotches and boils that marred his face, Mulciber's discomfort was evident to all who laid eyes on him.

Regulus couldn't help but bite back a smirk at the mention of Mulciber's predicament. He knew exactly why Mulciber was experiencing such discomfort—it was all thanks to the carefully concocted potion he had slipped into Mulciber's shampoo the night before.

The memory of Mulciber's attitude toward Rune had fueled Regulus's anger. He couldn't stand the way Mulciber had spoken to her, and he refused to let anyone disrespect her, especially not someone like Mulciber.

Regulus suppressed a chuckle as Mulciber sneezed violently, sending a spray of snot flying across the table. His attempt to regain his composure only resulted in further embarrassment, and Regulus couldn't help but revel in the sight.

"What's that look on your face for?" murmured Rabastan softly enough for only Regulus to hear. 

Regulus shrugged. "Just looking forward to the match is all." 

Rabastan glanced warily between Regulus and Mulciber and it took all of three seconds for him to draw the connection that Regulus had something to do with Mulciber's discomfort. 

As Rabastan's lips quirked upwards into a smile, Regulus shrugged once more. "Consequences." 

He noticed her presence before he saw her, and his eyes flickered to the entrance of the Hall just as she stepped in. His heart quickened at the sight of her, her presence commanding his full attention.

His excitement spiked when his eyes roamed down to find that she was indeed wearing a Slytherin jersey. 

As if noticing his gaze, she caught his stare and rolled her eyes before doing a twirl for him so he could see the clear silver letterings of 'Black' on the back of the jersey.

"Excuse me," he mumbled as he rose from his seat at the bench and made his way towards her. 

As he approached her, his heart hammered against his ribcage. He looked down at her, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly. "You're wearing my jersey then." 

"Well after the hissy fit you threw, I decided to give in."

"What hissy fit?" 

Rune's gaze flitted behind him, and Regulus followed her line of vision until it landed on Mulciber who let out another unfortunate sneeze which unfortunately resulted in snot being expelled from his mouth. 

When he looked back at Rune, she was looking up at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Did you enjoy my little surprise for you?" he asked before biting down on his lip.