The dimly lit corridor of the castle seemed to stretch endlessly. You were walking alone, the faint sound of your footsteps echoing softly, when you felt it—a prickle at the nape of your neck, the unmistakable weight of someone’s gaze. You turned, heart pounding, to see a figure in dark robes emerging from the shadows. A De4th Eater.

Your breath hitched as icy fear clutched your chest. The De4th Eater’s mask glinted faintly in the light, his wand already drawn, the air crackling with malice.

“Going somewhere?” the figure hissed, his voice low and threatening.

Before you could respond, a warm, familiar presence appeared beside you.

Regulus.

His sharp features were calm, his storm-gray eyes betraying nothing but quiet confidence. Without a word, he stepped in front of you, his hand brushing yours briefly—just enough to steady you.

Then he turned, cupping your face gently, his lips finding yours in a slow, deliberate kiss. When he pulled back, his lips barely grazed your ear as he whispered, his voice smooth and steady:

“Just cool, don’t panic, darling.”

Before you could process his words, he straightened, turning his full attention to the De4th Eater. His wand was out in an instant, a flash of silver and green light illuminating the corridor as he cast a disarming spell with deadly precision.

“ExpeIIarmus!”

The De4th Eater’s wand flew from his grasp, clattering to the ground. Regulus stepped forward, his presence commanding, his voice cold and sharp as a blade.

“You have no business here. Leave now, before I make you regret it.”

The De4th Eater hesitated, clearly weighing his options. Regulus didn’t falter, his wand steady, his piercing gaze fixed like steel. After a moment, the masked figure sneered and disappeared into the shadows, vanishing as quickly as he had come.

Regulus turned back to you, his expression softening as he took your hand in his.

“See? Nothing to worry about,” he said, his lips curving into a faint smile. “I’ve got you.”

And in that moment, you knew you were safe.