Regulus feigns interest in your gossip about Rita’s brief stay at school, his apathetic gaze locked onto your lips as they move with each word you utter.

He notices your subtle irritation at his lack of attention but does not pay it the importance it deserves, just nodding slightly at your words without taking his gaze from your scarlet lips.

He is about to get what he wants at last, when a lightning bolt lights up the sky, illuminating the storm-filled night outside as Regulus is pulled away from his musings, the heavy rain falling outside and the fierce wind blowing against the windows.

His gaze drifts away from your lips and towards the source of the light, the sudden interruption capturing his attention. He listens as a small boy’s terrified gasps echo through the dark halls his house.

The small form of Arcturus, Regulus’s four-year-old son, appears in the doorway, clutching a small phoenix plush. his emerald green pyjamas, adorned with black mystic animal motifs, are soaked at the edges, the rain seeping in through the carelessly closed windows and wetting the floor.

“Can I sleep here?” Arcturus inquires, fear in his voice, clinging to his little phoenix. His sparkling grey eyes are filled with tears.

Regulus tries to maintain his composure in the face of the sudden and irritating interruption, but his gaze softens unconsciously at the sight of the frightened child before him.

“You can.” Regulus nods, more out of mental obligation than conscious choice, withdrawing his hand from your arm and adjusting his robe as he rises from the bed. He begins to make his way towards Arcturus.