Chapter 29: A Letter from Bella
The clamor of the Slytherin welcome tournament had not yet fully subsided. Students were drifting away in small groups, discussing the brief but decisive duel in hushed tones.
Regulus had just stepped clear of the central floor, heading for his dormitory, when a voice stopped him.
"Regulus."
Narcissa Black stood beside the archway leading to the girls' dormitories. Unlike her usual retinue of upper-year girls, she was alone — clearly waiting for him on purpose.
A few upper-year boys who had been about to approach the freshly crowned Head of First-Years saw the situation and tactfully hung back.
"Cousin Narcissa." Regulus halted and walked toward her. He was not surprised she would seek him out — only that it had come sooner than expected.
Narcissa said nothing. Her eyes motioned for him to follow.
They walked single file into a deserted stone corridor outside the common room. No portraits here — only cold stone walls and pale green torches burning at intervals.
Once she was certain they were alone, Narcissa turned. Her expression was a blend of concern and gravity.