Followed By a Moonshadow ((Open))

[Regulus Black]

It was late and very dark outside, but it wasn't very cold, which was a surprise. Spring was finally starting to come around, and people were wearing less and less layers of clothing, which always seemed to brighten everyone's mood. It was strange how much a little bit of sunlight could change people so much. Even the professors were more cheerful, although it was hard to appreciate their jokes when they were handing out so much homework at the same time. Being a fifth year student at this time term normally meant absolutely no free time, since the O.W.L.'s were coming up so soon.

The change in weather did not affect Regulus much. Actually, it might even worsen his mood at times, since it meant more giggling in the hallways that he had to deal with. People were actually coming out of their dormitories and common rooms to socialize, which resulted in less places that he could retreat to be alone in. Even the library was rarely quiet anymore, and it seemed to be driving Madam Pince mad, although even he had to admit that was actually quite amusing. The only thing in life that old woman cared about was her precious library.

”Lumos.” Regulus mumbled, leaning against one of the walls and sitting down, pointing his wand at the Astronomy book in his left hand. Ever since he arrived at Hogwarts the Astronomy tower had been one of his favourite places to study or just be by himself. It was quiet, out of the way and convenient if he ever needed to check something with his telescope (which he had brought with him and set up already). Regulus had always been fascinated by Astronomy, which happened to run in the Black family, but lately the professor had been giving out so much homework that he was starting to resent the subject.

After having read about ten pages, he stood up to stretch his legs. Walking over to where his telescope was, he glanced down at the empty Quidditch pitch. Lately he often found himself wishing he had more time to go down there by himself and just fly around for a bit, maybe practice with the Snitch. This was his second year on the Slytherin team, and he was quite proud of his position. After all, there was only one Seeker on the entire team, and he had been chosen twice, over lots of other people. Regulus considered that quite the accomplishment, and so did his father. Turning around to go back to his book, he froze as he suddenly noticed he was not alone anymore.

[rabastan lestrange]

There had been many issues placed into Rabastan's mind of late and it wasn't particularly a good thing. He was confused about the Integra thing, Jamison had seemed to be at wits end since he found out about Gates and that Gryffindor girl. Who hasnt heard about it? All the more reason to work harder now on getting him what he so desired. They were starting to come together there were many people that needed in on this if it were to be successful and not to mention get off the floor.

Rabastan knew that Regulus was into astronomy, as were most of the Black family, and if he wasn't in the common room or his dorm room he was up at the tower. It was a quick and easy climb to the classroom where he assumed Reg would be and he took in a breath. Carefully he pushed the door open, nearly silently, and slipped in without a sound. Rab leaned himself against the wall and watched as Reg looked through his telescope with a smile. They were all the same, in all honesty he wasn't surprised, but he liked the kid well enough to extend his hand.

Perhaps it was Rabastan's need for dominance that won him over, and his subtle urges to protect those in his house. Yes, he understood Regulus' want to be alone, but there needed to be a kinship or what they had of a friendship would be nothing. It was Rabastan's goal to earn his trust and in return trust him, that was how things went around here.

"Am I interrupting Regulus?" A soft footstep padded the ground and he came out into the light the moon was casting across the ground. Yes the weather was turning up to be nicer with each passing day, but that was the least of his worries. "No need to be terrified, it's not as if I'm going to tell a professor you're up here after curfew, there is no better place to see the stars." Leaning to his left he noticed the telescope was pointed toward the ground and not up in the least. "Unless you're watching something else."

Crossing his arms across his chest he let out a small smile, there was nothing more he would off the fifth year before him. "I know you like being alone, I can leave if you want it's not a bother really, but I've a few questions I want answered, nothing to big, but pretty personal. If you mind."

[Regulus Black]

After getting over the initial surprise of not being alone anymore, Regulus immediately composed himself, straightening his back and locking eyes with the intruder, Rabastan Lestrange. Rab was a seventh year, two years above Regulus, but he was very familiar with the guy. His face showed no real emotion, which was not uncommon for this fifth year Slytherin. His light green eyes narrowed slightly at Rab's mention of fear. Regulus despised being treated like a child, or as if he was somehow lesser than the person talking to him. He was smart enough to know that that probably wasn't what Rabastan was getting at, but most Slytherins had their guards up at all times.

"You're not interrupting." He answered casually, grabbing his telescope and placing it flat on the floor. There was no purpose in leaving it out anymore, he wouldn't be using it again that evening. The Astronomy tower was no longer the secluded place he wanted it to be in order to fully concentrate. Regulus hated having to keep up appearances, but that was something that was required during every second he spent with other people. "I would not expect you to tell on me, Rabastan." A slight smirk appeared on his face at the thought. Slytherins might not be trustworthy to other people, but they were generally loyal to people in their house.

Casting a glance behind his back, looking back at where his telescope had been placed, Regulus shrugged. "Nothing in particular." He muttered, not feeling that he had to be specific with Rabastan. In fact, he rarely felt like he owed anyone anything. It was easy to tell Rabastan had his guard up, too; keeping his distance, crossing his arms, all clear signs. "Not much to see at this time, unless you look up." His eyes fixed on the night sky, Regulus felt slightly bitter all of a sudden. Astronomy was one of his favourite subjects, yet he would not be able to continue with it after this year. It would no longer be required, and since he wasn't supposed to be come an astronomer his parents would not let him study the subject any longer than he had to.


He quickly looked back at Rabastan as soon as the guy opened his mouth again. Pretty personal? What he getting at? The two of them really didn't spend much time together, so why would he ever have personal questions for him? Regulus raised an eyebrow and tilted his head slightly. "Feel free to stay." He replied, not wanting to give Rabastan the satisfaction of letting him think he was scared of the guy. Well that, and curiosity seemed to be kicking in. Most people knew Regulus had no interest in talking to them, and so they generally didn't have a reason to ask him any personal questions. "What kind of personal information could you possible want from me?" His eyes narrowing once again, Regulus paused for a bit. "I don't mind." He finally said after thinking about it for a while. "Go ahead."

[rabastan lestrange]

Crossing his arms he pushed himself off the wall and looked at Reg a bit closer with a smile. "Good, there are things that must be discussed and I knew I could always catch you alone here." Nodding he looked toward the sky a bit and it reminded him of home, but he didn't care right now. He had to get this regiment up and rolling, and soon. There were still to many people to talk to, and Regulus was one of them. "I wouldn't tell on you, considering I trust you more than the others. You're a good kid Regulus and you come from a good family, I wouldn't want to change anything about you in that sense." Rabastan smiled as he walked around the boy who was a few years younger than himself.

Rab didn't have many issues with the Slytherin's he, like Regulus, mostly kept to himself, but the difference was, he watched. There wasn't a single thing that Rabastan didn't see that happened within the walls of the Slytherin Common room. Swaying on his two feet he looked up as Regulus had mentioned. The boy had a knack for astronomy, unlike most he understood it and it was actually quite impressive. Rabastan on the other hand, dropped Astronomy as soon as he could, and never looked back on that decision. After all, he preferred the art of potion making more than he enjoyed stargazing, but he wasn't going to judge someone for their preferences.

"Yes yes, personal." He waved his hand and leaned out, looking down the side of the tower. If someone were pushed from this height perhaps they would die. That is if they forgot they knew magic. A first year would undoubtedly perish at the fall possible a second year as well. Even though they knew some spells that could perhaps save them, but they weren't necessarily quick with a wand.

Standing back upright he turned to Reg again with a semi-smile and looked over the boy. "I was wondering if you would like to be a member of my circle." He stroked his chin and thought on how to word this a little better. "You see, I've talked to the Dark Lord, and he has asked me to gather students who I trusted and who come from strong family backgrounds, like you and me. We're trying to get a group of death eaters formed within the walls of the school, and it's proving difficult because there are so many that I cannot trust in the least. Then again, I've not talked to everyone personally yet." Which reminded him he needed to talk to Severus, and soon. He rubbed his temple a little bit and thought on how he would approach the one he envied in potion making.

"So what I'm asking, is how would you like to join the ranks of the Dark Lord?"