Chapter Text
Regulus -
Regulus kept his eyes on the floor when he crossed the slytherin common room, sulking off to the corner where a dusty old book shelf had seen better days. Regulus studied the books several of them were for some of his own subjects, others seemed to be hand me downs. A little journal sat on the shelf titled “library log” inside were messages and tracks from who had given what. One title in particular stood out, “the complete poems, Emily Dickenson” he’d wanted to read it but mother never approved of muggle books “fake magic, made up muggle bullshit” the book had been gifted by Evan, and regulus didn’t miss the loved broken in spine as he opened the book to see a few dog eared pages. This one was perfect for him.
The book corner had two green bean bags and a coach with the bookshelf settled next to the wall. Making himself comfortable on one of the bean bags he got a page in before he noticed someone staring at him. He paid no attention, continuing his book. He couldn’t stand the idea of chatting away with people he’ll see everyday anyway after a long day. But the feeling of eyes on him gave him shivers.
The book was large and a part of a series but he couldn’t see the other books, even in the log.
There was that feeling again, the shame that he could find time to enjoy something for himself, he shouldn’t be enjoying himself this much, he didn’t deserve this kind of joy, why was he reading muggle poetry when he could be studying to prepare for his classes. He’d read the books assigned for first term but what if he missed-
Someone had now moved to the book corner and was studying the shelf next to him. Being pulled out of his thoughts he could hear the chatter in the room again. Merlin, it was loud.
Pandora -
Sitting in the corner of the room was a familiar girl Pandora had heard of. Though the name she couldn’t remember. She’d watched the girls face change when the hat had called out “slytherin” only a subtle change you’d miss if you’d blinked but Pandora had grown accustomed to seeing things others refused to see.
At the dorms Pandora practically floated around the room, introducing herself and getting intel from the older students. She’d always been good at initiating conversations but loved hearing what others had to say. It was like she could get to know them by what they told her. Unlike those nightmares. Daymares?
By the time she’d spoken to half the group she spotted the same girl in the corner of her eye, sitting alone blending into the shadows. Her hair was shortly chopped and her bones stuck out. Her face wore a neutral expression on her toned cheeks and pointy jaw. she was reading a poetry book and seemed to notice but not look up when Pandora softly approached. She browsed the shelf for a split second before turning back to the girl and clearing her throat.
“Hey, you must be Regulus” She recalled the name from the beginning of the year though she doesn’t remember exactly how she heard the name.
The girl just looked up at her wide eyed, like a deer in headlights her eyes flickered with fear and then they turned cloudy again. flickering through a series of emotions before the girl infront of Pandora settled on a neutral look before stammering out a reply.
“What?” she said in a low tone, not putting her book down.
Pandora stopped short, she didn’t mean to intrude. “Oh sorry, what’s your name” she must’ve been early, what Pandora discovered over the years is that time is very much not linear, in her mind anyways.
The girl looked back down at the pages, “I like Regulus” she said with a grin.
Regulus was a star, the heart of the lion. A nice name. Pandora went back and scanned the bookshelf as she glazed over each book title. The best way to determine the right book isn't to settle on one with a pristine cover but to look out for the ones with broken spines or water stained backs that had been dropped in the bath, those books were the loved ones. She noticed a prominent amount of poetry and muggle fantasy books which she read the blurb of each. she just loved reading about how muggles find magic in their non magical world, like looking at how big the world is to a bug. she settled for a small book with a girl holding a sword on the front cover and her long hair spilling out as she gazed right into the red dragons eyes.
Pandora plopped down on the bean bag beside Regulus and settled into the different universe as she blocked out the current dorm bustle around her.
Regulus -
Regulus, it sounded nice that someone knew his name. Pandora just knew and didn’t mind. How did she know, how could she guess the name? He and Sirius spent ages picking out one that fit, they felt so clever that day. Regulus Black the heart of the lion, the heart of Sirius Black.
The tall girl had long hair with white streaks and decorated with beads, she wore a crystal necklace (Amethyst maybe) and a countless amount of bracelets hidden under her school jumper sleeves, one had “she/her” another said “peace”.
She didn’t ask before plonking herself down on the bean bag beside him without pulling out a book. Don't these people respect the book laws? Never interrupt someone with a good book. He thought to himself, he turned his attention back to his book when she interrupted again.
“I’m Pandora, Pandora Rosier, Evan’s my Brother” she pointed vaguely to a boy in the distance. Her voice was sweet and eager to learn more.
Regulus had seen that name in the book log he’d like to see some more recommendations of this Evan Rosier
“Regulus-” Regulus began though he didn’t know where he’d go, not like he proudly told people his last name. It felt bitter in his mouth.
“Oh so you’re Sirius’s brother” she said it with such emphasis it was as though she’d hypothesized correctly.
Wanting this conversation to be over he only nodded. She hummed as if getting the message. Pandora traced the shelf scanning each book before deciding on one with a green leather cover, a book Regulus knew was a history book on potions. She sat herself down beside him and they just sat there in peace. Settling into another world leaving the dorms but staying right beside each other.