Don't Blame Me

Owl Mail and Coincidences

The Marauders are undoubtedly pissed off. It's been two weeks since the argument. They've made sure to avoid me in the halls, in class, and they've even been filling the empty seats around them with their bags. Regulus and I have been talking more recently, which they've noticed.

The first week of their temper tantrum, Remus came to the astronomy class by himself. He talked to Regulus and I, never mentioning the fight. However, now he won't even look my way. As a matter of fact, he hasn't been looking at anyone. He doesn't seem like himself.

"Have you guys noticed Remus is looking paler?"

Addie shrugs, "I suppose, but he always gets sick. For as long as I've known him."

"Yeah, it's normal," Lily adds.

It does seem like he gets sick at least once a month now that I think about it. I feel horrible for not realizing it sooner. It's not any of my business, but I can't help but worry about him.

The girls and I are currently sitting by the fireplace in the common room. There are only a few other students around us. Marlene nudges me with her foot, a smirk on her face. "Worried about your loverboy?"

Lily shakes her head, "Leave her alone, Marlene. We all know it's Regulus she likes."

My face heats. "Shut up! I don't like anyone."

Lily dodges the pillow I throw at her, laughing loudly. Addie shakes her head, a grin on her face. "You are all annoying."

Marlene looks behind me, her smile disappearing. I turned around, meeting the hard glare from Sirius. He looks away the second our eyes meet. Remus, who was standing next to him, offered me a small smile.

An owl flies in through the window, dropping a letter right in my lap. It flies back out, not even sparing a passing glance. I stare down at the envelope in confusion. Lily scoots closer to me, "Ooh, is it a love letter?"

"(Y/n) has a secret admirer," Marlene whispers.

Addie looks behind me, "And the Marauders don't look happy about it."

When I turn around, the boys quickly look away. I roll my eyes and focus on the letter in my hands. "Should I open it?"

"Uh, yeah!" Lily says.

I slowly open the envelope, my eyebrows furrow in confusion at the neat handwriting. I don't even have to read the signature to know who it's from. The elegant cursive is enough for me to know it's from Regulus.

I read the short letter before folding it back up and putting it in my hoodie pocket. Lily groans, "Don't keep us waiting. What did it say?"

"Who is it from?" Marlene asks.

"It's a letter from Regulus. He was just asking me to meet him at the astronomy tower tomorrow night for the full moon," I answer, trying to keep a nonchalant face.

"Oh, he wants to fu-"

Lily smacks Marlene, cutting her off. The four of us begin laughing, catching the attention of the brooding Marauders. James walks over, standing behind me to look at Lily. "What's so funny?"

"Your face," Lily responds.

James scoffs as we laugh. He grumbles under his breath and walks away. I grab my bag and stand up, "Alright, I'm going to the library. See you all at dinner."

The girls wave bye, and I give the Marauders a quick glance as I walk past them. Remus offers me a small smile, but the others glare. I roll my eyes and step out into the hall.

When I get to the library, I see Regulus sitting at a table. He's in the secluded part of the room, focusing on the book in his hands. I take a deep breath and make my way over to him. He doesn't notice me until I sit in front of him.

"Edgar Allen Poe? I didn't think you read muggle books."

He jumps, quickly closing the book. "Contrary to popular belief, I'm not anti muggle."

"I never said you were," I reply.

I pull a book out of my bag, "His writing is really good. He's my favorite poet."

Regulus raises an eyebrow when he sees my book. "I didn't think you were a romance reader."

Damn it. I meant to pack a different book.

"I read everything," I say flatly, trying to hide my embarrassment.

Regulus laughs, his green eyes shining brightly. "Of course you do."

"Oh, and what time did you want to meet tomorrow?"

He looks shocked, almost like he didn't think I'd agree. It only takes him a few seconds to regain his neutral look. "After curfew, unless you're too scared."

I roll my eyes, "I'm not scared. Besides, I've never been caught unlike you."

"Clearly, you haven't snuck out enough. Everyone's been caught at least once."

"I'm pretty sneaky when I want to be."

He shakes his head, a small smile on his face. It's irritating how giddy I get every time he smiles at something I've said or done. He's just a man. Why should I care about his smile?

"I haven't seen you with the Marauders lately. Are they still mad?"

My shoulders tense up, making my discomfort obvious. "They don't speak to me, so I try to avoid them."

"They're just a bunch of idiots, especially my brother," Regulus says, his voice raising slightly. He takes a deep breath and speaks again, "I'm sorry for how they're treating you."

His apology is shocking. The genuine look in his eyes is even more shocking.

"It's not your fault. You don't need to apologize."

He tilts his head, "Really? The entire argument was over me."

"It doesn't matter. They can't control who I talk to," my stern voice earns a 'shush' from the librarian.

Regulus covers his mouth, trying to stifle his laughter. The old woman gives him a disapproving look as she shuffles by.

"It's dinner time," Regulus says, looking down at his watch.

I pull my phone out and check the time, "Already?"

"We can walk together," Regulus says.

"Then let's get going, Lily and the girls are very picky about where we all sit."

We walk together, catching a few confused gazes and whispers. It makes me self conscious, knowing that they're talking about me. However, I have way too much shit to deal with to care what they think.

"Of course they're together, their family's are deatheaters," a Gryffindor boy whispers.

The Ravenclaw girl he's talking to shakes her head, "She's not one of them, but I bet he is."

I look over at Regulus. He doesn't seem bothered at all. We step into the dining hall, and Lily and the girls are already sitting at the table. Regulus's friends are also sitting down. The two groups stare at us in bewilderment.

Regulus walks away wordlessly. I make my way over to the girls, ignoring the glares from the Marauders. Lily leans in and whispers, "Was that planned?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Walking in with Regulus," she clarifies.

I shrug, "We were both at the library."

"What a coincidence," Addie says.

"Yeah," I say, glancing over at Regulus.