Chapter 184 - Bonding (1/2)

The week went by rapidly as they played in the creek with Sirius almost drowning in the deep end. Or while Regulus and Rowan read a book on the grounds to only see Sirius and Severus mercilessly chasing Fidel on the grounds and through the enchanted maze. It was amazing how much energy two boys together could produce.

Of course, both boys, Sirius and Regulus were utterly fascinated by Sir Knight Prince. They both eagerly chatted with him and listened to him regale the tales of his exploits as a knight in the service of the crown. It was fairly obvious both boys were immensely enjoying themselves.

Either way, Rowan gifted Regulus the beginner's volume on how to master Occlumency as she was no longer in need of it. And the freak of nature that Severus was a natural-born Occlumens and had mastered the subject in a matter of days, where it had taken her months to achieve the same result with the aid of magic! Nevertheless, Regulus was thrilled and happily accepted the gift promising to immediately begin working on the subject.

On the final night at Prince manor, Rowan was finishing packing up the last of her things. Thinking it better to leave most of Salazar's books behind. She hid them in a hidden compartment in her desk, before taking only two of the unread books with her. She'd already finished one volume, but still had several more to go. Not that she had learned much beyond the general history of the world and famous characters of ages past. Interestingly enough there was a lot more written on Herpo, The Foul, but thankfully it was merely a historical record and was not related in any form or manner to Salazar.

”Rowan, can I come in?” The soft voice of Regulus could be heard asking.

”Of course,” Rowan said as she swiftly closed her trunk. ”Are you already done packing?”

”Mm, it's Sirius, who always packs at the last minute except for this time around,” Regulus said with a chuckle as he stepped into her room.

”Have a seat,” Rowan said as she climbed onto her bed and motioned for him to do so as well.

Regulus studied the elegant room as his eyes stared with envy at the star painted ceiling. ”It's a lovely room,” Regulus observed.

”So, you've said, before,” Rowan said with a chuckle. ”Is there anything wrong?”

”Mm, just excited, I guess,” Regulus admitted.

”Well, I'm sure that everything will go just fine tomorrow,” Rowan comfortingly said.

Before Regulus can reply, Severus and Sirius burst in as they sing, ”Here comes the sun-!”

Rowan instantly retaliates with a thrown pillow at Severus as Regulus quickly follows suit with a pillow of his own at Sirius. ”I should have never given you that cassette player,” Rowan huffed as Severus rubbed his face, where the pillow had hit him.

”But they're really good!” Sirius beamed with pride having dodged his brother's pillow. ”How come I've never heard of them?”

”Because they're muggle singers,” Rowan deadpanned as Regulus rolled his eyes.

”I know, but still, I would have liked to know,” Sirius huffed as he crossed his arms over his chest with a sulky pout.

Sighing, Rowan gets up and walks over to her desk to grab a pack of batteries, two tapes, and her cassette player with headphones. ”Do you know how to use this?” Rowan asked with an arched eyebrow.

”He's been using mine all week long,” Severus grumbled at having to share the gift his sister had given him. He rather secretly enjoyed listing to the music, but not that he'd ever admitted that to his twin.