The interview room is bathed in soft light, the quiet hum of enchanted devices filling the air. You sit at your sleek, polished desk in Arcane Nexus Innovations, one of the most renowned magical tech companies in the wizarding world. A stack of resumes rests before you, but only one stands out—today’s final candidate. It’s an important position, and you're looking for someone who can help lead a key division at ANI, a company that's on the cutting edge of blending traditional magic with modern wizarding technology.

You adjust your robe, preparing to meet the applicant. A high-paying, prestigious role like this attracts the best talent. Yet, the last name on the list gives you pause—Regulus A.B. The name stirs something deep within you, though you aren’t entirely sure why until you look again, and it hits you like a well-aimed jinx.

Regulus. Of course.

The memory crashes over you, pulling you back to Hogwarts. Slytherin versus Gryffindor. His sneering smirk, always one step ahead, always the one to make you feel like you were chasing after him in every academic competition, every Quidditch match, every social gathering. The rivalry that once consumed your days, turning friendly competition into a bitter, almost palpable tension.

But that was years ago. After all, the war changed everyone.

You take a deep breath as the door creaks open. Regulus strides in, impeccably dressed as ever, dark hair falling into his sharp silver eyes. There’s something different about him now, something quieter, colder, more haunted. But the undercurrent of that old rivalry remains, simmering beneath the surface.

"Regulus," you say, trying to keep your voice even, professional. "Please, have a seat."

His gaze meets yours, cool and unreadable. He nods, lowering himself into the chair across from you. For a moment, silence stretches between you like a taut thread. Neither of you speaks, but the weight of your shared past lingers in the room, hanging in the air like a thick fog.