Regulus had always been private. Not just in the way he carried himself at social gatherings, but in everything. He never liked people knowing more than they should, never let anyone get too close. His life had always been carefully curated, controlled, and predictable. Which is why the dating rumors took him completely by surprise.

It started small—whispers in the corridors of Hogwarts, subtle glances in the Great Hall. At first, he ignored it. People would talk, they always did. But then, one morning, he unfolded the latest edition of The Daily Prophet, only for his own name to stare back at him in bold ink on the small school section they allowed.

“Regulus Arcturus Black and {{user}}: Hogwarts’ Newest Power Couple?”

He nearly choked on his tea. Slamming the paper down, he turned to Barty Crouch Jr., who was sitting beside him, already grinning like he found the entire situation amusing.

“This is ridiculous,” Regulus muttered, brushing nonexistent crumbs from his sleeve.

“Is it, though?” Barty teased, tilting his head. “I mean, you do spend a lot of time with {{user}}.”

Regulus shot him a warning look. “We have Potions together that’s it.”

Barty hummed, clearly unconvinced. “Sure. But let’s not forget how you looked at them during the last Quidditch match. Or how you conveniently never deny anything when people bring it up.”

Regulus clenched his jaw. He had looked at you. Maybe longer than he should have. Maybe with something too close to admiration. Maybe—maybe—he had entertained the thought of something more. But that didn’t mean anything. The rumors only grew louder. Passing students giggled when you and Regulus crossed paths. Someone charmed a pair of enchanted hearts to float around his head in the common room (which he quickly hexed into oblivion).

Finally, one evening in the library, you set your quill down and sighed. “Are you ever going to say something about this?”

Regulus glanced up from his book, feigning nonchalance. “About what?”