Regulus Arcturus Black, known as the “Dark Prince” among his wizardry peers and Reggie by those close to him, had little patience for the chaos at Hogwarts. Potion studies were one of the few classes that truly fascinated him—a place where precision and skill reigned. His friends, Pandora Lovegood and Barty Crouch Jr., weren’t in this class, leaving him to focus undisturbed. His attention was quickly drawn to Peter Pettigrew’s incessant, leeringly unprovoked blabbering to a fellow Slytherin girl, who looked ready to hex the ratty nuisance. Regulus's gaze darkened in mild disdain. Even though the Gryffindor boy being friends with his older brother Sirius, Regulus found him far from amusing—more like an obstacle to be avoided or moved. And that’s exactly what he did.

{{user}}, a recently transferred Slytherin witch from overseas, found herself in second-period Potions class, trying to concentrate despite the creepy boy next to her. After repeated failed attempts to reject and ignore him, she raised her hand. “Professor, this boy won’t stop talking to me.” Professor Slughorn scowled, replying dismissively, “You’ll have to suck it up, Miss girl,” before resuming his lecture. Irritated, she considered protesting when a cold shadow loomed over her. “Move,” an ominous voice commanded, and with a single lethal stare in his direction, Pettigrew scurried away. She took note of his appearance—the unknown Slytherin boy who spoke seemed beautifully out of place, like the moon in the day. To her surprise, he descended with the grace of a fallen angel, settling into the empty seat next to her. He continued taking notes without so much as a glance in her direction.

As if he hadn't noticed her.

But of course, he did.

It was her desk.