Regulus of Hogwarts: Lord of the Stars

The next morning, Regulus awoke feeling refreshed. .

He got up, washed up, and moved around as usual, showing no signs of fatigue.

Hermes woke up too. This guy started staying up all night when he enrolled last year, and this semester he's been practicing with Regulus until midnight every day. He's really got it all.

I have enough energy; I can get up on my own without anyone having to tell me.

The other two weren't very good.

Alex got a shock yesterday and practiced until he collapsed. He's awake now, but he's in pain all over and can't get up.

Avery didn't sleep well last night either.

When Regulus brought the two of them back last night, Avery was still tossing and turning in bed.

When Regulus entered, he heard him making a strange laugh.

The laughter wasn't loud, just the kind of suppressed laughter that leaked out of the throat with a "hissing" sound.

When he saw Regulus come in, he wanted to get up and have a chat.

He did show his face last night, and everyone was watching and listening to him speak.

That kind of scene was a rare experience for the pure-blooded young master, and it represented the image of an adult in his mind.

Moreover, he discovered that he might be good at this: standing in front of the crowd, saying some nice things, and making everyone listen.

I was so excited I couldn't sleep, so naturally I couldn't get up this morning either.

After Hermes finished washing up, he went to the two beds and kicked them one by one, saying, "Get up."

Alex snorted and rolled over, while Avery immediately covered his head with a pillow.

Hermes kicked again: "Class begins."

The two finally moved, groaning as they got up.

Alex clutched his back, grimacing, while Avery's hair was a mess, his eyes were half-closed, and he was muttering something.

Regulus came out of the bathroom, glanced at them, said nothing, and pushed the door open to leave.

As he stepped out of the dormitory, he immediately spotted Snape.

By the fireplace in the common room, Snape sat in an armchair, his eyes dark with heavy circles, looking exhausted, his robes wrinkled, and his hair even greasier than yesterday.

But he seemed somewhat excited, the kind of excitement that comes from staying up all night and reaping some rewards.

Regulus knew what was going on.

Snape must have gotten a lot out of spending the night alone with Professor Slughorn last night.

It could be recognition, appreciation, or the feeling of being needed by someone from a higher social class.

For Snape, these things were more important than anything else.

When Snape saw Regulus come out, he instinctively sprang up, but his movements were too fast and he seemed a little impatient.

He paused for a moment, then stood still and reached out to straighten his robes.

There wasn't much to fix. The robe was already wrinkled, and it looked too big on him. His hair was also oily and messy, so there was nothing to fix.

Regulus walked over.

Snape tried his best not to show any emotion. He opened his mouth, wanting to call out to Black in his usual flat and deep tone.

But when he said it, the tone changed, and his voice sounded dry and even a little shrill: "Blake."

Regulus nodded, his voice flat: "Snape."

Snape said directly, "The professor wants you to go to his office after breakfast."

After he finished speaking, he observed Regulus's expression.

But Regulus's face remained expressionless; he simply said, "Understood."

Then he turned around and left without saying a word.

Snape remained where he was, watching Regulus's figure disappear through the doorway, stunned for a moment.

He thought Regulus would make some kind of gesture.

After all, it was Regulus who sent him up last night, and it was Regulus who mentioned him to the professor.

He worked with the professor all night, earning his appreciation, recognition, and treatment he never dared to dream of before.

All of these originated from Regulus.

Therefore, he assumed that Regulus would make a gesture.

It could be a sense of reserve, an air of superiority, or it could be treating him like a follower or even a subordinate, patting him on the shoulder and saying a few words of encouragement.

But there was nothing there.

Regulus's expression was the same as in their previous meetings: calm and indifferent, as if he were looking at a complete stranger.

A strange feeling welled up in Snape's heart.

He was wary of Regulus; he knew this man was different from those pure-blooded young masters—more dangerous and more unpredictable.

But deep down, he felt that was what purebloods should look like.

Distancing, indifferent, taken for granted.

Now that Regulus has really treated him that way, he actually—

On the contrary, what?

He couldn't explain it; he just stood there, watching Regulus's disappearing figure, and only turned and left after a long while.

After breakfast, Regulus went to Slughorn's office.

The door was open, and he knocked.

Slughorn's voice came from inside: "Come in!"

Regulus pushed open the door and went in.

The office was warm, the fireplace was burning, and the teapot floated in the air, pouring water by itself.

Slughorn, sitting behind his desk, greeted Regulus with a warm smile as Regulus entered.

"Regrus! Come, sit down and talk."

Regulus sat down opposite him and greeted him politely, "Good morning, Professor."

Slughorn was the first to praise: "You did really well last night. I heard about it. Your guidance and attitude were just like what you'd expect from a Slytherin."

Regulus bowed slightly: "Professor, you flatter me."

"No flattery," Slughorn waved his hand. "I heard about your Ironclad Charm later. Rosalie used it on the spot. (The following text appears to be unrelated and possibly spam: "Following the book without getting lost, collect it, and read 'Hogwarts: Regulus, Lord of the Stars' anytime. The complete version, for a first-year student, that's no small feat.")

Then he put on a slightly exaggerated expression of annoyance: "But you've also caused me trouble."

Regulus looked up, his face first showing an apologetic expression, then turning to confusion. He cooperated with the professor and responded properly.

Slughorn continued, "Several people came to me this morning asking if they could also get some guidance from Black, and if they could learn a spell on the spot like Rosalie did."

He spread his hands and shook his head: "I'm telling you, you should first lay a solid foundation. Not everyone can learn Blake's method."

Regulus understood; the professor was reminding him that that kind of guidance wasn't actually beneficial for a young wizard.

If they see a shortcut, they will become distracted and neglect the basics.

Regulus said, "I'm sorry to trouble you, Professor."

Slughorn waved his hand: "I was just saying it offhand. You did a great job. It's about passing the torch, what a wonderful thing. Besides, you said it yourself. It was a reward and encouragement from the previous chief to the new chief."

After he finished speaking, he blinked.

Regulus smiled, and that was the end of it.

Moreover, judging from the professor's tone, he wasn't called in for this reason, so there's only one thing left.

Jeffrey Sayler.

Sure enough, Slughorn's expression turned serious.

"Regulus, the main reason I called you here is to ask you if you've found anything else amiss with Seiler?"

Regulus lowered his gaze; he had, of course, noticed.

The person behind that potion, the one hiding in the shadows, is Dorfin Roll. Jeffrey was just the one pushed to the forefront; the person behind it all is Roll.

There might even be others behind Luo Er.

But what's the point of saying it?

What can the professor do but question Rol?

What about the evidence?

Does Seiler know who gave him the potion?

Even if it's found out, the Roll family is a core member of Voldemort's side. What can the professor do to them?

Regulus remained silent for a moment.

Slughorn didn't press him further, he just looked at him.

Regulus raised his eyes, his tone somewhat inquiring: "Professor, do you think there's anything wrong with the potion that Seller took?"

Slughorn's expression changed; the question was clearly pointed.

Regulus's refusal to answer directly, and his subsequent questioning of him, indicates that Regulus had indeed discovered something but did not wish to disclose it.

Or rather, it's not convenient to say.

Slughorn looked at the second-year student in front of him. He already knew that Regulus was no ordinary person.

But being talented is one thing, being shrewd is another.

If he chooses not to speak at this time, then there must be something significant behind it.

Slughorn thought for a moment: "That potion is a bit strange."

Regulus looked at him.

"It's like a substandard product," Slughorn said. "The formula is crude, the materials are inferior, and it would be much less effective if used by an adult wizard."

But the timing of its effect was perfect; it was just enough for a newly enrolled wizard to finish a few duels, except—"

He shook his head and continued.

"The damage is huge. That child won't be able to cast spells properly for the next few months. Before his magic recovers, even a simple levitation spell could cause problems."

Slughorn stared into Regulus's eyes, as if trying to see something in them.

Regulus met that gaze and simply asked, "Professor, is it inferior or superior?"

Slughorn's expression changed; he understood what Regulus meant.

It's a low-quality product, but the timing of its effectiveness is just right. This is not a coincidence; it's intentionally designed.

Using a substandard product to achieve a specific effect, allowing a young wizard eager to distinguish himself to unleash power beyond his normal level at a crucial moment.

Let him be seen, noticed, and promoted.

If you push it up, something bad will happen.

Slughorn mentally went through the Slytherin family tree.

The person who could do such a thing is definitely not an ordinary family. Sayler is just a tool, and the person behind it is not Sayler.

Who is that being clashed with?

He thought of the duel that had been stopped last night, of Regulus suddenly stepping forward, of Cyrus's original goal being to become the leader, to challenge the previous one—

Slughorn stared at Regulus for a long time without saying a word.

Regulus sat there, his expression calm.

He seemed to say nothing, yet he said everything.

Not long after, Slughorn shook his head and a smile returned to his face.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. Anyway, the child was rescued and nothing serious happened, which is good."

He chuckled and said, "Regulus, you did the right thing. You discovered it in time, didn't act on your own, and knew to find the professor."

Regulus nodded: "I just did what I was supposed to do, Professor."

Slughorn slammed his hand on the table: "What I'm saying is, you saved a little wizard last night and averted an accident. Slytherin points, 30 points."

Slughorn blinked again: "When you have time, you can give some pointers to other people with your Ironclad Charm tutorial."

Of course, not the kind of teaching that happens on the spot, but more like, you know, pointing out some directions.

Regulus laughed: "If there's a chance."

The two exchanged a few more casual words, then Regulus stood up: "Professor, I'm going to class."

Slughorn nodded: "Go ahead. By the way, come over for tea sometime. I recently acquired some nice jars of candied fruit."

Regulus responded and went out the door.

The office door closed behind me.

The corridor was quiet.