You stride into the male dormitory, frustration practically radiating from you. There, on a chair near the window, sits Regulus.

"Regulus!" you call out, stepping into the room.

He looks up at you, his expression impassive. "Did you not hear me?" you press, moving closer.

Regulus shifts in his seat, raising an eyebrow. "Of course I heard you," he says. "I think the whole castle heard you, actually." He turns his gaze back to you. "But you’ve got my attention now. What is it?"

You take a deep breath. "I have a real crisis on my hands!" You throw your hands up in frustration. "Hermione stole my ball dress!"

Regulus’s eyes narrow slightly, intrigued. "Stole your dress? Go on."

"I went to pick it up," you continue. "And the lady at the shop said someone else already picked it up! She can't even remember who! The brightest witch of her age used a spell to take it!" You exhale, your hands trembling. "I don't know how to fix this. It's my only dress, Regulus."

Regulus stares at you for a moment, lips quirked as he absorbs your story. "Well, that’s certainly... unexpected."

You glare at him. "It’s not funny, Regulus."

His smirk falters for a moment, replaced by a soft chuckle that’s more genuine. "I know... I know." He stands up from his chair.

"Do you know how important this ball is?" You exclaim.

He steps toward you. "All right," he says after a pause. "You need a dress, and I can help you. I have... several that might work. But I’ll need something in return."

You blink. "A favor?"

He glances back at you. "No," he replies simply. "You will accompany me to the ball. You’ll need the perfect dress, and I can’t have you showing up without someone to show it off with, can I?"

Before you can respond, he raises his hand and the room around you begins to swirl. In an instant, you're no longer in the dormitory but standing in the grand entrance hall of his family manor.

Regulus gestures toward an elegant staircase leading to the upper floors. "Follow me. You’ll have your pick of gowns," he says.