THE END IS NEAR - ?egulus ?lack

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𝓣he autumn days at Hogwarts were marked by rigorous lessons, and tensions in the Slytherin common room only grew as the lines between allies and enemies blurred. Angelina found herself excelling in Defense Against the Dark Arts, her duels sharper and her reflexes quicker than ever. Professor Flitwick had even pulled her aside after a Charms class to commend her for her silent casting-a skill few mastered at her age.

But it was during Potions where things took a darker turn. Professor Slughorn, unaware of the undercurrents of rebellion in his classroom, paired Angelina and Dorcas Meadowes together for a week-long project on Veritaserum. The tension between them was immediate and palpable.

As they sat in silence, carefully stirring their cauldron, Dorcas finally broke the quiet. "You think you're better than everyone else, don't you?"

Angelina didn't look up. "I don't think it, Meadows. I know it."

Dorcas smirked, her voice low. "You're not as clever as you think. Playing both sides? That's going to catch up with you."

Angelina's hand tightened on her ladle. "You don't know anything about me."

"Oh, I know enough," Dorcas said, leaning in slightly. "You're in over your head, Crouch. And when it all falls apart, don't expect anyone to save you."

Angelina glared at her, her eyes blazing. "You're one to talk, blood traitor. Siding with the losing team."

Dorcas chuckled, her tone mocking. "Funny, I was about to say the same to you."

The rest of the lesson passed in icy silence, but the animosity between them only deepened.

It was a shame that something so small could ruin their close bond, Angelina and Dorcas were inseparable since they had met on the train in year 1 but to what avail? Angelina's blood supremacy ideologies and hate for Marlene caused her to believe that Dorcas never cared- caused her to believe that she could never trust Dorcas again.

Deep down the two girls knew they missed each other, but their pride would never allow them to admit it, so they continued on with their selfish ways.

The announcement of a school dance came as a surprise to everyone during dinner later that evening. It was a rare moment of levity, a chance to forget, if only for an evening, the weight of the outside world. The Great Hall was transformed into a glittering spectacle, enchanted candles floating above while soft, magical music played in the background.

Angelina, dressed in emerald-green robes that matched her eyes, stood by the entrance, scanning the room. Barty and Evan were already deep in conversation with a group of like-minded Slytherins, their sharp laughter cutting through the music. Dorcas was across the room, laughing with some other Gryffindor, it made Angelina sick.

Regulus appeared beside Angelina, his black robes immaculately tailored. His presence was magnetic, and she felt her breath catch as he offered her his arm.

"Shall we?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.

Angelina hesitated for only a moment before slipping her hand into his. They moved onto the dance floor, the world around them fading as they swayed to the rhythm. The closeness was intoxicating, their every movement in perfect harmony.

"You clean up well, Black," Angelina said softly, a playful glint in her eyes.

Regulus smirked. "You're not so bad yourself."

Their banter was light, but beneath it lay an undercurrent of unspoken tension. Every glance, every touch, was charged with emotions neither dared to fully express.

As the music slowed, Regulus leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "You've been avoiding me."

Angelina pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting his. "I've been busy."

"Liar," he said, his voice teasing but his gaze serious. "You're hiding something."

Angelina's heart raced, but she forced herself to stay calm. "And if I am?"

Regulus's hand tightened on hers, his expression softening. "You don't have to do it alone."

For a moment, Angelina considered telling him everything-her deal with Kreacher, her desperate attempts to keep him safe. But before she could respond, the spell was broken by a sharp voice.

"Angelina," Barty called, his tone impatient. "A word."

She reluctantly released Regulus's hand, casting him an apologetic look before following Barty to a quieter corner of the Hall. Evan was there too, his usual smug expression in place.

"We've got another meeting tonight," Barty said, his voice low but firm. "The Dark Lord's expecting progress."

Angelina's stomach twisted, but she kept her face neutral. "I'll be there."

"Good," Barty said, his eyes narrowing. "And try not to bring Regulus down with your distractions. He's got potential-don't waste it."

Angelina forced a smile, though her insides burned with anger. "I'll keep that in mind."

After the dance, Angelina found herself in the common room, staring into the flickering flames of the fireplace. She didn't hear Dorcas approach until she spoke.

"Funny, isn't it?" Dorcas said, her voice sharp. "Seeing you with Regulus."

Angelina didn't turn around. "What do you want, Meadows?"

"To remind you that no matter how hard you try to play both sides, you'll never truly belong," Dorcas said, stepping closer. "Not with them."

Angelina stood, her eyes flashing with anger. "I don't need your approval, Dorcas."

Dorcas smirked. "No, you just need to figure out who you are. Before it's too late."

Their confrontation was cut short as Regulus entered the room. He looked between the two of them, his brow furrowing. "Everything alright?"

"Just fine," Dorcas said sweetly, her eyes never leaving Angelina's. "Crouch and I were having a... friendly chat."

Without another word, she left, leaving Angelina and Regulus alone.

Regulus stepped closer, concern in his eyes. "What was that about?"

Angelina shook her head, forcing a smile. "Nothing important."

But as Regulus reached for her hand, she knew that the web of lies and secrets she was entangled in was growing ever more dangerous. And with Barty and Evan's influence tightening its grip, the stakes had never been higher.

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