Regulus of Hogwarts: Lord of the Stars

Horace Slughorn’s office, like himself, is filled with a carefully crafted sense of comfort and abundance.

The room was filled with the strange aroma of various expensive potion ingredients, the walls were covered with photos of people with famous wizards, the silverware on the table gleamed, and the comfortable armchairs were covered with thick velvet.

"Ah! Regulus, my dear child, come in!" Slughorn, with his round belly, greeted him warmly, his face beaming with smiles.

"Sit down, sit down! How about some mead? Or lemon sorbet?"

"Thank you, Professor, but no need," Regulus politely declined, sitting down in the designated chair with proper posture, showing no signs of restraint.

Regulus observed Slughorn, who was undoubtedly shrewd and loved to gather promising students, weaving a vast network of connections and interests.

He values ​​talent, background, and future potential, but he also knows how to assess situations and avoid risks.

A typical Slytherin-esque opportunist, but not a villain; he simply took investing and human relationships to the extreme.

"I heard about the little incident in the lounge last night." Slughorn rubbed his hands together, his currant-colored eyes seemingly sparkling.

"That Travers boy, sigh, always so impulsive and immature, but you handled it very well, very appropriately, showing the style expected of the Black family."

Regulus found it amusing, and somewhat speechless. "I beat him up like that, and you think I handled it well? And properly?"

And what is Blake's style? Is it bullying people?

But he simply listened quietly, nodding slightly in gratitude for the professor's praise.

"I believe that with your talent and character, you will surely become a pivotal figure in the magical world in the future." Slughorn lowered his voice and leaned forward, adopting a sincere and open posture.

"I love seeing outstanding young people shine. If you need help with potions or anything else, my club, my collection, or even some of my...small connections are always open to you."

Regulus understood that Professor Slughorn was avoiding mentioning Voldemort, but he was optimistic about his prospects in the coming new era and was willing to invest in advance.

Regulus understood, and his face showed a humility befitting his age: "Thank you very much for your appreciation, Professor."

In fact, I am quite curious about a niche area of ​​potions, and perhaps I could get some guidance from you.

"Oh? Tell me about it!" Slughorn's eyes lit up even more.

"I've seen descriptions of these rituals in some very old family manuscripts," Regulus said carefully, his tone more like that of a student eager for knowledge.

"The priests who preside over the ceremonies sometimes draw intricate totems or runes on their skin, which are said to allow them to briefly communicate with a certain power."

I'm curious whether it's possible to create this kind of external drawing material using some kind of magic potion?

For example, how about processing potion ingredients with specific effects into a form that can safely adhere to the skin and slowly release its potency?

Slughorn stroked his double chin and began to think seriously.

"An interesting idea...very old, very obscure."

Directly drawing magical runes is extremely risky, but using a magical potion as a medium...

Yes, there are some records. For example, ancient northern wizards would apply an ointment made from dragon blood, mountain monster heart powder, and ice crystal flowers to gain power, but the side effects were huge.

For safe, long-lasting, and targeted use... this involves the stability of potion ingredients, skin penetration, and slow-release of magic.

Oh, and there's also preventing magical conflicts and backlashes... That's quite a complicated subject, my child.

He became more and more excited as he spoke, clearly captivated by this highly academic question.

"However, it's not impossible!"

I recall that a basic formula was mentioned in the appendix of "Secret Pharmacology," which might serve as a carrier.

Also, some witch doctors in Waggadu, Africa, have a tradition of using specific plant juices mixed with mineral powders to draw runes, which are said to enhance magical resistance... I need to do some research and make some deductions."

He looked at Regulus with eager eyes: "If you're really interested in this direction, perhaps we can do some safe, theoretical discussions and basic formulation trials during the holidays."

Of course, absolute caution is required!

"That's exactly what I wanted, Professor." Regulus bowed slightly. "Thank you very much for your guidance."

Regulus felt exhilarated as he left Slughorn's office; a crucial step had been taken in the development of an idea.

At lunchtime, two owls with very different temperaments landed in front of Regulus almost simultaneously, dropping two letters of different thicknesses.

The first letter came from Walbuga, the handwriting bold and passionate:

"My proud son!"

The news has arrived: you defeated the challengers and defended Blake's dignity and honor! Well done! This is how a true successor to Blake should be! Silence those who doubted you!

The family is so proud of you! Your father and I are incredibly proud of you!

Continue to demonstrate your strength and let everyone see that the Black family will take the lead in the great changes to come!

We are ready to answer that lord's call and fight for the future of purebloods! You will be our sword and our glory!

Keep your edge sharp, my Regulus! Remember your mission and your bloodline!

Between the lines lay undisguised fervor, pride, and identification with Voldemort's cause. Regulus calmly folded the letter.

The second letter came from Orion, with steady and restrained handwriting:

Regulus:

I have heard about your recent performance. Be careful when showcasing your abilities and avoid making enemies easily.

Slytherins have complex interpersonal relationships. Strength is fundamental, but only by knowing how to be flexible and make trade-offs can they survive in the long run.

The situation outside is becoming increasingly tense, and things at home are also very complicated. Your mother is now taking a positive attitude, and you should be aware of that.

Focus on academics and skills development. Hogwarts is currently relatively stable, so make good use of its resources.

The library access has been updated; you can now access books on shelves seven through twelve.

Knowledge brings not only power, but also wisdom.

Two letters, two completely different attitudes and expectations.

Regulus carefully put both letters away. He knew that his father was reminding him of the approaching storm, while his mother was already eager to plunge into it.

......

The Gryffindor table has a long table, and one area has a slightly somber atmosphere.

Sirius Black poked at the mashed potatoes in his plate, his face gloomy.

He had certainly heard about Regulus.

He was a little shocked, but not entirely surprised. He had known for a long time that his younger brother was different, but he hadn't expected it to be to this extent.

What upset him wasn't jealousy of his younger brother's achievements or abilities, but a deeper unease.

The better Regulus performed, the more he met the expectations of Slytherin and the pure-blood circle, the more likely he was to be noticed by that person and drawn into that dark vortex.

The thought of Regulus possibly wearing the Death Eater's black robes and standing behind that man made Sirius feel a tightness in his chest.

Although he was prepared for this.

"Hey, Sirius, stop making that face." James Potter patted his friend's shoulder hard, thinking he was annoyed that Sirius was showing off for Slytherin's little viper.

"He just beat some fifth-grader idiot. That Travers kid wasn't anything special to begin with. Your brother just got lucky and used some underhanded tactics."

Sirius shook his head and didn't say anything.

James took this silence as tacit agreement, rolled his eyes, and lowered his voice to say, "Don't worry, brother, I've disliked him for a long time. He was putting on an act on the train last time."

I wrote to my father and he told me that the method of directly freezing spells, although rare, must have weaknesses. Either it consumes a lot of energy, or it is ineffective against high-speed and dense attacks.

Remus, Peter, and I have already discussed it. We'll find a chance to teach him a lesson and get revenge for you!

Sirius Black suddenly looked up: "James, no!"

"Don't worry, we know what we're doing!" James interrupted him confidently, winking. "We won't make things difficult for you. We'll find a time when he's alone, make a quick move, and make sure he remembers it well."

Lupin frowned slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but seeing James' excited look and then glancing at the gloomy Sirius, he finally just sighed softly.

Peter nodded nervously, his little eyes darting around.

Sirius looked at the elated James, and the words of advice he was about to say were swallowed back down.

He knew James was standing up for him, and once James made up his mind, it was hard to change it.

More importantly, deep down, he might also harbor a dark curiosity, wanting to see if James and his crew could actually get Regulus to show more of his abilities.