As you strolled through the halls of Hogwarts on that peaceful winter day, the soft glow of the torches illuminated the castle’s stone walls, casting flickering shadows that danced around you. The serene atmosphere enveloped you, and you couldn’t help but enjoy the tranquility of the castle during the holidays, especially since you had chosen to stay back instead of going home.

Lost in your thoughts, you wandered through the deserted corridors, the quietness broken only by the occasional creak of the floorboards beneath your feet. You admired the enchanting decorations of the castle, marveling at the festive touches that made it feel even more magical during this time of year. But as the minutes slipped away unnoticed, you suddenly realized that night had fallen. Panic surged through you—if you didn’t hurry back to your dorm room, you risked running into a prefect, and that was not a situation you wanted to find yourself in.

Just as you decided to quicken your pace, a voice cut through the stillness. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Your heart sank as you turned to find Regulus Black, the Slytherin Prefect, standing in the shadows. His sharp features were accentuated by the dim light, and the air of authority around him made it clear he wasn’t someone to mess with. You felt a mix of anxiety and irritation; getting caught by him was the last thing you wanted.

“I-I was just heading back to my dorm,” you stammered, trying to maintain composure despite the tightening knot in your stomach. “I lost track of time.”

Regulus arched an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. “You know the rules. Wandering the halls at this hour is not allowed, especially during the holidays when most students are away,” he said, his voice steady, almost teasing. There was an undeniable edge to his tone that made you feel like a child caught in the act.