Reborn as Petunia Evans with a System-Chapter 63 - 61

"Ready?" he asked.

I nodded. "Let's go."

We walked through the castle corridors in near silence, our footsteps echoing softly off the stone. I could tell he was thinking but about what, I wasn't sure. When we stepped into the library, the familiar scent of parchment and candles welcomed us.

There, at a corner table under the golden glow of an enchanted lamp, sat Regulus. He was already flipping through a thick textbook, posture perfect, hands calm. He looked like a prince in exile elegant and a little too perfect.

I walked up to him, heart fluttering like a charmed bird.

"Hi," I said, voice soft. "Do you remember me? From the wedding?"

Regulus looked up. His dark eyes rested on mine with mild curiosity before he nodded. "Yes."

"We didn't get a proper introduction then," I said, offering a smile. "I'm Petunia Evans."

He inclined his head politely. "Regulus Black."

I glanced toward Severus beside me. "I hope you don't mind Severus wanted to come along."

Regulus looked at him for a beat before nodding. "It's fine."

Severus gave him a short greeting. "Regulus."

"Severus," Regulus said in return, his tone unreadable.

The three of us sat down. I opened my notes, smoothing the pages, trying not to let my hands shake. As I began to explain the first topic, I could feel both their eyes on me. But strangely, it didn't make me nervous anymore. There was something peaceful about this moment—just books, parchment, and a shared silence between unlikely company.

Regulus was still quiet, but no longer stiff. His replies had softened, and when he spoke now, he didn't look like he was calculating each word—just thinking. Intently.

We had drifted past the basics, and now our notes were filled with scribbles about Advanced Human Transfiguration. The topic wasn't officially in the syllabus until sixth year, but Severus had pulled a dusty old textbook from the that morning , and I couldn't resist peeking into it.

I turned the page, reading aloud a passage that caught my eye."'Human Transfiguration is the most difficult and dangerous branch of the art, as it affects the complex internal structure of a living being bones, tissue, organs, and consciousness.'" I looked up. "It says only the most skilled wizards should attempt it."

I flipped my notes open and pointed to a diagram of human skeletal shifts during partial transformation. "If you don't get the vertebra alignment right," I said, tapping the page, "you'll end up with a twisted spinal curvature, which ruins balance in Animagus form."

Regulus blinked. "You know this?"

"Of course," I replied, like it was obvious. "Professor McGonagall let me sit in on her Animagus theory group last term. I'm not transforming anytime soon, but I love the process."

Severus nodded. "She's brilliant at it," he said without hesitation, shooting Regulus a look. "Petunia once transfigured a frog into a full tea set. The bloody thing had matching saucers."

I grinned. "It even had little green legs on the bottom of the cups. I couldn't help myself."

Regulus, ever composed, raised an eyebrow but there was amusement behind it. "That's... impressive."

"Thank you," I said sweetly, though I didn't hide my pride.

"You've got a better grasp than most higher years," he added, flicking his gaze back to my notes. "No wonder you're tutoring."

That earned a small smirk from Severus. "I told you. She's a menace with wandwork."

"Transfiguration is logical," I said with a shrug. "It's art and structure together. I like that. Like... sculpting reality."

Regulus tilted his head slightly. "Exactly," he said. "It's not about power. It's about precision."

"That's exactly why I love Potions," Severus said, leaning forward. "It's similar. Everything measured. Every action has consequence."

There was a pause small, but meaningful. The two of them had found a rare point of agreement, and I could see the shift in both their faces. Less guarded. More curious.

Then Severus changed the topic. "I heard you joined the Quidditch team," he said to Regulus casually.

Regulus nodded. "I'll be Seeker."

"Really?" I said, eyebrows raised. "Slytherin vs. Hufflepuff is the first match, right, Sev?"

"Yes," Severus confirmed.

I beamed. "Then we'll be cheering for you."

There was a flicker of something surprise? across Regulus's face. "Thanks," he said, a little awkwardly, and I couldn't help but think how adorable it was.

We kept studying, and every now and then Severus would chime in with something sarcastic or insightful. Regulus responded more and more freely, even correcting Severus once politely, of course and I could see the beginnings of mutual respect forming.

Time slipped away from us. The library candles had burned low when I finally stretched, yawning slightly. "Oh no," I murmured. "We missed dinner."

Severus stood . "Let's go to the kitchens, then."

He looked at Regulus. "You coming?"

Regulus hesitated. "No, it's fine. You two go."

I tilted my head, giving him the smile the one I used when I wanted something and always got it.

"You should come. You'll be hungry," I said gently.

He opened his mouth to protest again, but then Severus groaned. "Just go. She won't stop."

I laughed. "See? Listen to him."

Regulus finally exhaled, amused despite himself. "Fine. Just this once."

....

The painting of the fruit bowl gave a lazy little wiggle as I tickled the pear, and it giggled before turning into a doorknob. I pushed it open with a flourish.

"Ta-da," I said. "Welcome to the real heart of Hogwarts."

Regulus stepped inside with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity, his Slytherin pride clearly clashing with the novelty of breaking a rule that involved pear-tickling and secret kitchens. Meanwhile, Severus walked in like he owned the place.

"Evening, Tinks," he called to a nearby house-elf who squeaked with delight and scampered over.

"Mr. Black Miss Evans" Tinks gave a deep bow. "What can we be getting for you tonight?"

Regulus blinked. "They know you?"

I grinned. "Sev and I might have... occasionally skipped dinner before."

"Usually because she lost track of time talking about magical symmetry," Severus said with a smirk.

Regulus let out a soft, surprised laugh. "This... explains a lot."

We sat at a small table in the corner while the elves bustled around us with trays of warm rolls, pumpkin soup, roasted chicken, and an unholy amount of treacle tart.

"Did they give us enough to feed a centaur herd?" I asked, wide-eyed.

"You said I'd be hungry," Regulus said, amused, already buttering a roll.

I watched him quietly for a second. He was still... him. Polished. Poised. But something was shifting. His eyes had softened, and his shoulders weren't quite as square. He looked like he was enjoying himself.

Severus reached for a tart and accidentally knocked over the butter dish.

"Nice," I said dryly.

"I was aiming for Regulus," he deadpanned, wiping his fingers.

Regulus raised a brow. "I wouldn't put it past you."

"Oh, don't be dramatic," I said, laughing. "If Sev really wanted to hit you with something, he'd use a textbook."

"And I'd make sure it was 'Intermediate Transfiguration'," Severus added with a sly grin. "Heavy spine. Good reach."

Regulus actually snorted.

It was subtle, but it felt like we'd cracked something peeled back the outer layer of the infamous Regulus Black. He was sarcastic. Smart. Surprisingly funny when he let himself be.

........................................