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A Horcrux.
Danica felt her head spin, a deep nausea stirring as she walked through the silent corridors. She tried to shake the weight off, focusing on the steady rhythm of her heels clicking against the stone floor, but the thought persisted, relentless.
It is a Horcrux.
Two weeks had passed since she'd found that cursed page in the Room of Requirement, hidden so carefully it was as if it didn't want to be found. Maybe it was right—maybe she shouldn't have uncovered it. The knowledge felt like poison seeping through her veins.
Regulus would be crushed.
She had told him nothing, hadn't dared to. The idea of sharing this with him—this horrifying truth—felt like it could shatter whatever faint glimmer of hope he had left. And for all she knew, that hope might be the only thing keeping him together.
The locket. The word lodged in her mind.
She pressed a hand against the cold stone wall, steadying herself as the realization sank in deeper. Voldemort had torn apart his own soul—left it fractured and bleeding, embedded in that piece of jewelry. He was immortal.
Danica halted, her breath catching. His soul? Or was it only a fraction of it? The thought of there being other pieces stirred a deep sickness in her. What if there were more of them?
Her feet moved on instinct, mindlessly taking the stairs that spiraled toward the Astronomy Tower. The stone steps seemed endless.
She focused on the repetitive motion, the hollow sounds, yet every time her foot hit the next stair, the sensation of wrongness grew. It curled in her stomach, tightening, twisting as her mind spun.
She reached the open air of the Astronomy Tower, feeling the cold night seep into her skin as she leaned heavily against the stone ledge.
Danica closed her eyes, feeling her chest tighten as she drew in a shaky breath. It was pathetic, really. Two weeks had passed, and still, the knowledge churned inside her, jagged and indigestible. She couldn't let it consume her. Get a grip, she told herself, inhaling through her nose and exhaling slowly, watching as her breath rose into the cold night air, dissolving into faint wisps of vapor.
One step at a time. She focused on that thought. If she could just focus, organize the chaos in her mind, maybe then she could face this. She clenched her hands, grounding herself against the rough stone of the tower ledge. It was just a matter of concentration, she assured herself. She could manage this. She had to.
Okay, she told herself, clutching at the shreds of calm. Organize what you know.
Riddle. Tom Riddle. She closed her eyes, willing his image into her mind—the young, charismatic student, transformed into the Dark Lord. Voldemort. Once a Slytherin, studying here, walking these very halls decades ago. But somehow, he still looked so young. It was the Horcruxes, it had to be.
Her pulse quickened, but she forced herself to focus. Are there more? Her mind wanted to spiral down that path—how many pieces, how many places? She clenched her jaw. No. Concentrate on what you know.
The locket. The Horcrux. It was in a cave, protected with traps and dark magic. She gripped the ledge tighter, her knuckles pale against the stone. What happens if it's destroyed? She couldn't even be certain it could be destroyed. Did breaking it release his soul, or did it simply... vanish?
Her stomach twisted at the thought, but she forced herself to steady. One step at a time.
"Blimey, Lestrange. You look constipated."
Danica's head snapped to the left, her eyes narrowing. There, perched precariously on the ledge, was Sirius, legs dangling over the edge of the Astronomy Tower as if it were the most natural thing in the world. His leather jacket caught the fading light of the sunset, making him look like he was part of the evening itself.
A cigarette smoldered between his fingers, and he raised it to his lips, taking a lazy drag.
"Planning to jump, or practicing just another one of your stunts for attention?" she shot back, arching an eyebrow, though her heart was still hammering from his sudden appearance.
Sirius exhaled a cloud of smoke, letting it drift into the chilly air as he smirked. "Practicing, naturally." His gaze lingered on her, assessing, amused. "But you, Danica, are clearly having a right existential crisis up here."
She rolled her eyes, but it couldn't mask her unease. "Not all of us have the luxury of moping around with our heads in the clouds," she replied, crossing her arms as she leaned back against the ledge, facing him. The cool stone bit into her skin.
Sirius shrugged, an impish glint dancing in his eyes. He held out the cigarette toward her, the tip glowing faintly in the dim light.
Danica raised an eyebrow, a skeptical look crossing her face. "You can't be seriously offering me a cigarette," she said, crossing her arms. "You do realize that handing this to a prefect from a rival house is basically a guarantee you'll end up in detention - or worse, lose house points, right?"
Sirius just grinned, still holding the cigarette as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Danica scoffed, feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement, before she took the cigarette from him, more out of defiance than anything else. She brought it to her lips, inhaling the sharp, smoky taste, then exhaled slowly, watching the smoke disappear into the cool air.
She handed the cigarette back to him, satisfied at the surprise on his face.
"So, who's got you all wound up?" Sirius asked, watching her with that unreadable look. "Or are you going to tell me it's just academic stress?" He took another drag, one eyebrow raised in that insufferably knowing way of his.
"I could really ask you the same," she shot back, crossing her arms. "But honestly, I'm not surprised at your stress, Black. Must be exhausting knowing that when you're busy judging everyone, karma's just waiting to bite you in the ass. It really knows how to hold a grudge."
"Got a problem with me, Lestrange?" he spat back in annoyance.
She shook her head, "No, not really. But it's funny how quick you are to assume I'm the one judging when you're the one perched up here like an open book while sweating bullets over what your friends might think."
Sirius took a long drag from the cigarette, the smoke curling up into the cool evening air as he considered her words. "Doesn't my brother mind you reeking of cigarette smoke?"
Danica shrugged, unfazed. She had already accepted that most people had caught on to what was happening between them. "Doubt it, knowing him. I've caught him smoking myself a couple of times." She paused, "But if I were you, I'd be more concerned about Lupin's reaction."
Sirius wheezed, letting out a laugh that turned into a cough. "Bloody hell, Lestrange. You really weren't bluffing."
Danica rolled her eyes and snatched the cigarette from his fingers, taking a long drag before handing it back. "You're an idiot, Black."
"Say that again."
"You are an i—"
"Geez! you don't really have to repeat it."
"And your shirt is still ugly, by the way."
"OUCH!"
Danica glanced down at his ridiculously painted cropped top that boldly displayed the words 'Pink Floyd'. She shot him a look that made it clear just how stupid he was being. "You're stressing yourself out for nothing, you know. They all already know."
"Know what?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"For the bloody mother of Merlin," she shook her head with a pained sigh. "You and Lupin."
His eyes widened in panic. "No, they don't."
"Yeah, right. Especially when you keep giving each other bedroom eyes in public."
He fell silent, taking another drag from the cigarette. Danica hesitated for a moment. Then, kicking herself off the wall, she carefully sat down next to him, making sure not to look down at the steep drop below.
"I'm just afraid it might change our friendship," Sirius said sheepishly.
"I'm sure Lupin wouldn't mind," she replied, shrugging as if it were no big deal.
"Not just Moony. There's also James, Peter, Marlene..."
Danica let out a wheeze of laughter. "Oh, I am sure McKinnon wouldn't mind."
"Huh?" he said, looking at her with confusion.
"Nothing," she said, waving it off. "What are you even so afraid of?"
"I'm afraid of the same thing happening with them that happened to... us."
Danica scoffed, "Don't lie to yourself. You know the only reason we were friends was because we didn't have other options at the time." She thought of her own crumbling friendships with Evan and Narcissa. "You and them are not the same as us."
She hesitated for a moment, the words lingering on the tip of her tongue. "But—"
"But?"
She paused again, the memory of Pettigrew scrambling around at the Death Eater meeting flashing through her mind. "But..." she started, searching for the right way to phrase it. "Just be careful, okay? Sometimes the people you think you can trust turn out to be the ones who'll betray you."
Sirius looked at her with his thin brows raised, "You know, it's impressive how you manage to sound so smart while looking like shit."
Danica arched an eyebrow, "Thanks? I guess?"
Sirius's grin faltered as he realized how that came across. "Wait! I didn't mean it like that! I meant you have this...shit-"
"Don't even try, Black." She rolled her eyes with a smile threatening to appear on her lips.
Sirius laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! I'll stop digging my own grave." He shifted awkwardly, glancing sideways at her. "Um, what's up?"
"Seriously?"
His cheeks flushed slightly as he stammered, "You know what I mean!"
"Sure I do," she replied, a teasing smile creeping onto her face. "But you'd have to actually say it to make any sense."
Sirius groaned, running a hand through his hair again. "Fine, fine. I just— I was wondering why you've been acting different lately."
"Different how?"
"Come on, Danica, you're just torturing me now, aren't you?"
"I am." He rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. After taking another drag from the cigarette, she handed it back to him. "Thanks for the cigarette. I really needed that."
As she pushed herself off the ground, Danica's knees trembled slightly, a reminder of how sitting at the edge had been a regrettable choice. She steadied herself, taking a moment to regain her balance before straightening up. With a deep breath, she brushed off the remnants of dirt from her robes and glanced back at Sirius, who still watched her.
"You're a good person, Sirius." She nodded once in farewell.
Turning around, she began to walk toward the stairs.
"You too, Danica."
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Danica walked arm-in-arm with Regulus down the quiet Hogwarts halls. She leaned in slightly. "Just so you know, my Legilimens channel will be open," she said shooting him a side glance.
Regulus looked over at her with a raised brow, and she had to school her expression; he looked unfairly sharp tonight, his black suit perfectly tailored, hair neatly combed back with a few strands out of place.
Danica's own hair was swept back, pinned with a hairpin he had gifted her months ago—a small piece adorned with tiny lilacs that gleamed subtly against her dark locks. She wore a rich, deep purple velvet dress with long, fitted sleeves that hugged her arms.
She glanced at Regulus, catching his gaze lingering on her for just a beat longer than usual. He gave her an approving once-over, his small, knowing grin hinting at how much he noticed. The color, she thought, complemented not only the pin but the dress code of the Slug Club gatherings—though, in truth, she'd chosen it hoping for this exact reaction from him.
"So, I'm free to assume you'll be going all in on the shit-talking, then?" he asked.
She arched a brow and shrugged as they reached Slughorn's door. "Absolutely."
"By the way," Regulus nudged her shoulder lightly, "looking good, Lestrange."
"Likewise, Black," she grinned.
Regulus glanced down at their linked arms, his expression shifting, almost as if he was double-checking that she was comfortable with it. His fingers flexed ever so slightly against her arm, but Danica didn't hesitate; instead, she slid her hand into her pocket, withdrew her wand, and gave the door a small, deliberate flick. The door swung open smoothly
"After you," she murmured.
Slowly, they walked inside, side by side, feeling the eyes of the room settle on them. The ornate, dimly lit room smelled of lavender and warm candle wax, with silver platters of appetizers scattered across the long table. Professor Slughorn, catching sight of them, lit up instantly, his wide grin forming before he had even fully turned their way.
"Ah, my two star Slytherins!" Slughorn exclaimed, making his way toward them with open arms. "Regulus! Danica! Splendid to see you both—come, come, don't stand on ceremony!"
Danica allowed herself a polite smile. "Good evening, Professor. You certainly know how to set a scene." She gestured around to the grand spread of food and gleaming cutlery.
Slughorn chuckled, his chest puffing up. "Why, thank you, my dear! I do like to add a bit of glamour to our gatherings. Keeps everyone feeling a bit... special, don't you think?" His eyes twinkled as he turned to Regulus. "And you, Regulus, looking every bit a Black. I trust you're keeping those N.E.W.T.s well in hand?"
"Doing my best, Professor," Regulus replied smoothly, glancing at Danica with a small grin. "Though Danica's the one who might actually get a perfect score in Potions."
"Oh, I wouldn't be surprised in the least!" Slughorn boomed, clearly pleased, his gaze bouncing between them. "Now, find your seats, my dears, make yourselves comfortable."
As they moved further inside, Danica's eyes swept the room, noticing Avery and Malfoy across the table, their gaze sizing her up.
They continued down the row until she noticed Lupins's familiar face. He gave her a small, kind smile from across the table. Next to him, two seats with neat, embossed name cards—her own and Regulus's—waited for them.
Danica and Regulus made their way over to the empty seats beside Remus where Regulus politely pulled out her chair.
"Thank you," she said quietly, taking her seat as he pushed it in for her, before settling into his own chair beside her.
She turned to Remus and offered him a polite nod. "Lupin."
"Lestrange," he replied with a friendly enough smile, though there was a subtle caution behind his eyes, as always.
As everyone settled, Slughorn folded his hands with a broad smile, surveying the room. "Quite the talented group we've got tonight! A privilege, really," he said with a wink, directing his first compliment toward Lily. "Miss Evans, I hear Flitwick has been absolutely floored by your work in Charms."
Lily nodded, offering a modest smile. "Thank you, Professor. I just enjoy the subject, I suppose."
"Well, as you should!" Slughorn's voice boomed approvingly. "There's something to be said for that kind of enthusiasm. You'll go far, I've no doubt."
From across the table, Avery leaned back, an easy, almost disinterested smile on his face. "Charms are useful," he remarked idly. "Though some magic... you just grow up with, don't you?"
Lily's smile froze slightly, but Slughorn pressed on with his usual oblivious charm. "Oh, Lysander, you mustn't discount the value of hard work!" he chuckled. "Even some of our most prodigious talents must work hard, isn't that right, Regulus?"
Regulus merely nodded, giving a small, polite smile. "Certainly helps to stay focused," he replied smoothly, glancing over at Danica.
Slughorn continued, clearly determined to make his students mingle. "And Danica here has a true gift in Potions," he said. "I always think there's something remarkable about those who can handle the discipline with such, well, ease."
Danica gave a polite nod, keeping her voice light. "It requires a mix of precision and adaptability, I think."
"Adaptability," Avery repeated, with a faint, amused glance at Malfoy. "Yes, useful for those... unexpected situations."
"Well, some of us like to be prepared for anything," Danica replied, meeting his gaze without a flicker. "Just a practical mindset."
"Oh, definitely a practical mindset," Slughorn chuckled, entirely oblivious. He leaned in, beaming. "I daresay the both of you, Regulus and Danica, have that wonderful, rare combination of practicality and intellect. Reminds me of a young Abraxas Malfoy, really. Just marvelous."
Lucius took a leisurely sip from his goblet, "Good company to be compared with," he said smoothly, with a glance toward Slughorn. "But I think our friend Regulus may be overselling the importance of preparation. Some skills come naturally, wouldn't you agree?"
Danica caught Regulus's subtle eye roll, as he effortlessly responded. "True, some skills are second nature—but it's never a bad idea to make sure."
Slughorn clapped his hands together. "Well said, well said! Look at all of you, so bright and thoughtful. Who knows, one of you could be Minister one day! Miss Evans, perhaps?" He looked delighted at the thought.
Lily laughed, glancing around at the others, but she couldn't quite hide a flicker of discomfort. "I think I'd need a bit more experience first."
From across the table, Avery snorted derisively. "Experience? More like a personality transplant. You really think you'd fit in that crowd, Evans?" His caused an awkward silence to settle over the table.
Lily straightened, her head held high. "Well, I've managed to become Head Girl despite your best efforts to undermine me, Avery. I'd say I fit in just fine."
The tension remained thick for a moment, but Slughorn, eager to ease the discomfort, quickly interjected. "Ah, well, it's always good to have a little competition! Speaking of which, it's rather curious that Potter is running late. He's been requesting an invitation as your plus one for the last three years Miss Evans, hasn't he?"
Danica felt the conversation fade into the background as she opened her Legilimens channel with Regulus. She focused her mind, drawing on the familiar warmth of their connection as she reached out to him.
'This is dreadful' she projected.
Regulus's response came almost immediately, 'Already had enough?'
'Haven't you too?'
'Been at my limit since the moment we walked inside'
She didn't need to look at him to know he was smiling, that slight curve of his lips disguised as approval for the discussions around the table. Danica turned her gaze to the glass of sparkling wine in front of her. She took a long sip, feeling the cool liquid glide down her throat.
"Looks like you just took a gulp of despair", came Remus's voice from her right. She turned to see him leaning closer, his tacky sweater contrasting sharply with the formal attire of the other students. His expression was playful, clearly meant for her ears only. Danica carefully set the glass down.
"Looks like you could help yourself with one as well," Danica nodded toward his untouched drink.
"That would quickly become a disaster."
Danica raised an eyebrow, "Coming from you? No offense, but you look like someone who folds their socks."
"What's wrong with that?"
"Shit, you actually do?" she wheezed, unable to suppress a laugh.
Remus rolled his eyes dramatically, "I'll have you know it's a very organized approach."
Their short-lived conversation was interrupted as Malfoy's voice sliced through the chatter at the table. "I'm planning to follow the family tradition of working at the Ministry of Magic immediately after graduation," he announced to Slughorn, his tone oozing confidence. "Perhaps even get involved in some... extracurricular activities."
Avery chimed in, leaning forward with a smirk, "You know, the kind that involves making real connections, right, Malfoy? Just like your old man."
"Exactly," Malfoy said, "it's all about the company you keep."
Danica couldn't help but exchange a glance with Regulus. Huber leaned in from the opposite side of the table. She hadn't even noticed he was there the whole time until he sent her an ugly glare. "You lot are really going to waste your talents at the Ministry? That's sad," he said with condescension. "Some of us have bigger plans."
"Bigger plans? Like what?" Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Winning the Quidditch Cup again? Because honestly, I barely noticed you last season."
Maximilian leaned back, crossing his arms defiantly. "I'd take that trophy any day over being stuck in a stuffy office. There's a whole world out there, Malfoy. Why settle for that?"
"Please," Malfoy shot back, rolling his eyes. "You think you're destined for greatness just because you wear a flashy uniform? You're just another wannabe star in a school full of them."
Danica couldn't help but exchange a glance with Regulus.
"Now, now, let's not start any fights," Slughorn glanced around the table.
"Of course, professor." Avery put on a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Slughorn gave a satisfied nod before returning his attention back to Lily. Avery immediately turned towards Danica. "Ah, Lestrange! I've heard you had a change of plans regarding your future profession... again," he said in mockery. "Nice to see you here, by the way. Quite the improvement from last year, wasn't it?"
Danica's eyes narrowed at the jab, "I didn't realize the guest list was such a personal achievement for you, Avery."
Avery chuckled, leaning back in his chair as if her words amused him. "Oh, it's not. But you know how much I love a good transformation story. Look at you, gaining a bit of recognition. Must be nice."
Avery's grin widened, clearly believing he had won this round. He picked up his wine glass, taking a sip as if savoring his victory.
Danica glanced around, making sure no one was paying them much attention. She spotted Slughorn chatting animatedly with James, who had just arrived, his laughter ringing out as he joined the table.
With a quick flick of her wrist, she discreetly clicked her fingers under the table. In an instant, the wine glass tipped, spilling red liquid all over Avery's pristine suit.
Avery's eyes widened in shock as the liquid soaked into the fabric. "What the—?" he sputtered, his smug demeanor vanishing in an instant.
'Nice move, Danica.' Regulus commented inside her head. 'Totally subtle too.'
'He deserved it.'
'I am not denying it, but you're getting riled up.'
'I'm totally cool. As a cucumber.'
"Did I spill something? So clumsy of me." she widened her eyes innocently.
Avery shot her a glare. "Lestrange you-!"
Slughorn finally glanced their way, raising an eyebrow as if he sensed the tension lingering at their table. But just as quickly, his attention was pulled back to James, who was animatedly recounting a particularly hilarious Quidditch incident.
Malfoy leaned in, casting a disdainful look at Avery. "Honestly, Lysander, stop squealing like a pig. We wouldn't want to tarnish our close-knit friendship over a little wine spill, especially before such a significant event." He then turned his icy gaze toward Regulus. "So, Regulus, are you taking Greengrass to the Rosier soirée?"
Regulus raised an eyebrow, "Considering the guest list has been published for weeks, I'd say that's hardly breaking news."
Malfoy looked between Danica and Regulus with a mix of amusement and pity. "Oh? Have you two not received those invitations yet? My mistake." His voice was cool, almost bored, but the glint in his eyes betrayed the satisfaction he derived from their discomfort.
Danica's brow furrowed, her gaze darting between Malfoy and Regulus. What is he talking about?
The annual Rosier Yule Ball was always a grand affair, but this felt different. That was not it.
Avery, recovering from his earlier embarrassment, scowled at Malfoy, clearly annoyed by the sudden shift in attention. "What are you on about, Malfoy? They'll get their invites like everyone else," he muttered.
Malfoy's gaze remained fixed on Regulus, almost daring him to respond. "You know how these things go," he said casually, shrugging. "A soirée like this is all about who you know."
Why hadn't she heard about any soirée?
'Do you..?' she asked Regulus.
'No.' He replied immediately, sounding just about as lost as her. 'I don't'
As Malfoy's cold eyes held hers for a moment longer, she realized this was more than just a simple jab. This was definitely not about the usual ball.
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A/N HAVE YOU NOTICED?? I've been posting consistently! Gimme a pat on my back. I think I deserve it.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter, I know the fic may feel a little slow, but remember, this is a longfic.
Love, strbrsweet.
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