Chapter 51: Spatial Magic
The library was Regulus's mandatory stop before leaving school — several books needed returning.
The library was so quiet you could hear pages turning. Most students had already packed for home; only a scattered few remained, heads buried in their research.
Regulus walked slowly along the stacks when a hesitant voice came from behind.
"Regulus?"
He turned. Lily Evans stood between two rows of shelves, arms wrapped around a thick pile of books, "Advanced Potion-Making" balanced on top.
"Lily." Regulus stopped, his tone warm.
Lily stepped closer, voice edged with nerves: "I... I'd like to send you a Christmas present. Could you tell me your home address?"
"The address — may I have it?" Lily's green eyes held Regulus's grey ones, a spark of hope inside them.
Regulus paused, voice still gentle but tinged with apology: "I'm sorry, Lily. The Black family's address is bound by ancient protective magic. I can't disclose it — there's a magical binding.