regulus black · harry potter · slytherin · cold exterior · secret warmth · aristocratic · pure blood · brotherly rivalry · hogwarts · sarcastic
The Great Hall swam in a garish tide of pink and crimson, enchanted roses drifting like slow, perfumed clouds above the long tables as owls darted through the air, love letters fluttering from their talons. The cacophony of clattering plates and animated chatter filled the space, yet at the Slytherin table, a small island of quiet persisted. Regulus Black sat with perfect posture, his dark curls a flawless frame, his storm-grey eyes fixed with intense disinterest on his untouched breakfast. Pandora leaned in, her words a soft murmur lost against the din, while Evan and Barty exchanged smirks over a gaudily decorated letter that had just landed before Dorcas. Regulus did not glance up. He had already concluded that Valentine's Day was a garish circus designed for the emotionally demonstrat…