Regulus of Hogwarts: Lord of the Stars

Narcissa was taken aback. She didn't believe Regulus was really concerned about Abraxas's health, and she didn't even think Regulus wanted Abraxas to be healthy.

If it were any other junior wizard, it might have been genuine concern, or just a social nicety, but Regulus?

She had come to realize that Regulus was completely different from ordinary young wizards; his mind was so meticulous and complex that it even surpassed that of many old men.

Their perspective on problems is unusual, even quirky.

Abraxas Malfoy, Lucius's father, the current head of the Malfoy family, a cunning old fox to the core.

His health condition is directly related to the future of the Malfoy family.

"She has some minor ailments, but is in good spirits," Narcissa replied cautiously.

Although she was devoted to Black and cared about Regulus, the Malfoys were her in-laws.

Regulus smiled: "Then I should prepare a proper gift for our meeting."

He has already received an invitation to the Malfoy family's Christmas dinner. It was a separate invitation, distinct from the Black family's, which shows how much importance they attach to it, or perhaps they have ulterior motives.

After exchanging a few more casual words, Narcissa stood up, gently straightened the collar of Regulus's robe, and then said goodbye.

As she reached the entrance to the girls' dormitory, she glanced back at Regulus with a complex expression, which ultimately turned into a slight nod.

Regulus sat alone on the sofa until the fire in the fireplace gradually died down.

He mentally reviewed his communication with Narcissa, noting that it had achieved its objectives, built a deeper level of trust, clarified the channels for information sharing, and subtly conveyed his stance.

He didn't say anything that could give them any leverage, but he said everything that needed to be said.

Narcissa is shrewd, realistic, values ​​family and kinship, and has a clear sense of direction.

In the original story, she was willing to betray Voldemort for Draco.

Regulus decided to trust her a little more.

Narcissa will soon marry Lucius Malfoy, and the Malfoy family is currently under the control of Abraxas.

That old Malfoy is no pushover; in the early days when he cooperated with Voldemort, the Malfoy family even held a dominant position.

But then Abraxas suddenly died of dragon plague syphilis, Lucius took over, and the Malfoys became Voldemort's moneybags.

Dragon plague syphilis, an incurable disease in the wizarding world, which only wizards with real skills can contract.

Abraxas died too suddenly, and the timing was too coincidental.

Regulus didn't believe in coincidences; it would be too much to believe there wasn't something going on here.

He decided that after he went home for Christmas, he would mention this to Orion; if there was more to Malfoy's story, Black would be better off knowing beforehand.

He recalled the tragedies in the original story: Sirius Black completely broke with his family, and Walbug died without ever knowing what his eldest son was thinking or how his youngest son had died.

Narcissa and Bella went down different paths, and their sisterly bond became a mere formality.

In the end, apart from Narcissa and Andromeda, who was expelled, none of the other Blacks survived.

Too many misunderstandings, too much information gap, and in the end, everyone lost.

He can't repeat the same mistake, but thankfully, he's not exactly fuel-efficient either.

......

When I pushed open the dormitory door, Avery was sitting on his bed polishing his wand, Hermes was writing at his desk, and Alex was huddled under the covers, with only half of his head showing.

"Regulus," Avery looked up, eager to ask, "Weren't you afraid a fight would break out today?"

He'd been pondering this question all day, and he just couldn't figure out why Regulus had stepped forward in that situation.

This is inconsistent with his impression of Regulus, and also with the family education he received.

During the day, one wrong move and you'd be under concentrated fire. Even if Regulus was incredibly skilled, he couldn't possibly handle being surrounded by so many wizards.

Regulus took off his outer robe and hung it up, but he wasn't going to answer the question. Of course, he wasn't afraid of a real fight, since the leaders of both academies were there and had been subdued by him in an instant.

But he kept a close eye on a few troublemakers, such as Sirius Black, James Potter, and a few treacherous members of Slytherin, and he was confident he could keep them in check.

Moreover, he is not afraid of the little wizards focusing their attacks.

Regulus turned to Avery and asked, "What good would it do me to fight?"

Avery was taken aback. Was that what I meant?

"Academic demerits, solitary confinement, and the possibility of injury." Regulus sat down on the edge of the bed. "Preventing conflict demonstrates ability, solidifies position, and leaves a good impression on the professor. Which is more worthwhile?"

Avery blinked and followed up on Regulus's question: "But wouldn't that seem too weak? Some of the older students were talking in the lounge just now, saying you were too...restrained."

Regulus raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this; he knew the original words were definitely not that polite.

"Let them talk," Regulus said dismissively. "What I need is influence, not bluster and bravado."

From today onwards, Lucretius Burke owes me a favor, and Frank Longbottom should also consider whether he would have been punished if it weren't for me.

Professor McGonagall and Professor Slughorn both witnessed how I handled things, which was far more valuable than fighting Gryffindor in the hallway.

Influence is an abstract concept, but at certain times, it can be transformed into power, and this requires constant, subtle influence.

Avery thought for a moment, then slowly nodded: "I understand, you want to put yourself in the position of 'problem solver'."

Among the heirs carefully cultivated by pure-blood families, there are certainly some incompetent fools, but there are many more true elites. With just a little prompting, Avery realized the key.

"Smart." Regulus rarely praised him. "So, Avery, keep an eye out for me. Find out who has the biggest problem with my actions and who's talking the most behind my back."

Avery's eyes lit up: "You're going to deal with them?"

"No," Regulus shook his head. "I want to know who the fools are. Real opponents don't jump out over such trivial matters. Only fools would become hostile towards me over a Quidditch match."

Just write this down; it might come in handy later.

He looked at Hermes: "And you? What have you discovered today?"

Hermes put down his quill and turned half his face: "Rabastan Lestrange, he sat diagonally behind us during the game and kept watching you."

After the match, he left the stands immediately but didn't return to the locker room. I had Rozier follow him for a while.

Alex peeked out from under the covers and whispered, "He went to that abandoned potions classroom on the fourth floor, alone, and stayed there for about ten minutes before coming out."

Regulus narrowed his eyes slightly, immediately concluding that Regulus was targeting him.

It's like a toad crawling on your foot—it doesn't bite, but it's annoying. However, such a minor character isn't worth his time; it's more appropriate to leave it to his roommates.

Regulus turned to the group: "Can you get it done before Christmas?"

Hermes' lips curled into a sinister smile: "I have an idea..."

Regulus then stopped participating in the discussion, as this was originally intended as a small activity to improve team cohesion.

He went back to his bedside and started organizing the textbooks he would need for tomorrow.

Avery looked at him, then suddenly asked, "By the way, Regulus, did you really do that today just to demonstrate your influence? Nothing else?"

Regulus's hands didn't stop: "What are you referring to?"

"I mean..." Avery stammered, his tone uncertain, as if he had thought for a long time before deciding to ask: "...you seem particularly concerned about controlling the situation."

Today in the hallway, you were the first to step forward and intervene...it didn't seem like a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Regulus turned and looked at Avery.

This Cuthbert family heir is very observant, though he doesn't see things very deeply, but he does think things through.

This is a good quality, especially in pure-blood families.

"Avery," Regulus began slowly, "there are two kinds of people in Slytherin."

Some people wait for things to happen and then react passively, while others anticipate things will happen and prepare contingency plans in advance.

He continued, "Slytherin won by fouling, and Gryffindor will definitely cause a scene afterward, that's for sure."

Since it's inevitable, I'll plan ahead and figure out how to handle it, instead of scrambling to find a solution after the conflict erupts.

Avery seemed thoughtful, knowing that Regulus was referring to him as the second type of person.

"As for why we have to stand at the very front," Regulus said with a slight smile, "because position determines perspective."

Standing at the back, you only see chaos; standing at the front, you can see everyone's reactions clearly—who is impulsive, who is calm, who is observing from the shadows, and who is taking the opportunity to incite unrest.

He recalled the faces in the corridor that day: Lucretius Burke's shock when his wrist was held down, and Narcissa's worry and concern in her eyes.

Frank Longbottom's bewilderment after his spellcasting was interrupted, and the awkwardness of James Potter and Sirius Black jumping up and down in the crowd with no one paying attention.

Only those who are at the very front can see all of this clearly.