Regulus of Hogwarts: Lord of the Stars

"Put Darren Macnair at the top of our watch list."

Regulus's tone was calm as he laid out the plan. "For the next two nights, stay alert. If he makes a move after curfew, we follow."

Cuthbert nodded hard and thumped his fist against his knee.

Alex nodded too, smaller, but without hesitation this time.

"Remember," Regulus said, looking at both of them, "you follow my lead. If I say retreat, you retreat. No arguing. No delay."

"Understood," Cuthbert replied at once.

Alex gave a quiet, "Yeah."

---

That night, Regulus did not truly sleep. His mind hovered in the thin space between waking and dreams.