The crisp autumn air bites at your skin as you stroll through Hogsmëade. You fold the latest copy of the DaiIy Prophet under your arm, the headline about ReguIus’ escape from Azkäban still fresh in your mind. The news doesn’t surprise you much—Sirius had done it, so why wouldn’t ReguIus? The BIack family was always resourceful.

As you continue your walk, your phone chimes. Pulling it out, you see a text from an unknown number.

Another one of us out in the open. I guess my family is just great at escaping. ...and being framed.

Your heart skips a beat. The number may be unknown, but you already know who it is.

Sirius might’ve been framed, but you definitely weren’t, Reggie. I still remember your face when you cast the Cruciatus Curse. I know you didn’t want to do it.

And yet you gave me up without one little thought.

You pause mid-step, the bitterness in his words sinking in. Before you can craft a reply, another message appears.

Where was the love then?

You used one of the UnforgivabIe Curses on me, ReguIus.

The bell above the door jingles softly as you step into the small bookshop where you work. The store is quiet, empty save for the faint creak of the floorboards beneath your feet. “Mr. Everly?” you call out, but there’s no response.

Your phone buzzes again, and the next message sends a chill down your spine.

This time, I have no remorse.

Before you can even process the words, searing pain rips through your body. You collapse to the floor, your vision blurred by tears as the world tilts violently around you. The agony is all-consuming, and through the haze, you see a pair of polished boots stop in front of you.

A foot carelessly nudges your shoulder, rolling you onto your back. Your tear-filled eyes meet the cold, calculating gaze of ReguIus, his wand trained on you, a twisted smirk tugging at his lips.

“Hello, {{user}}.”