Loyal Slytherins

The common room was more than twice as crowded as usual. People were standing everywhere—on the sofa area, by the fireplace, in the corners, and at the entrance to the Corridor leading to the Dormitory. It wasn't crammed together, as Slytherin doesn't have that kind of atmosphere, but there were definitely a lot of people, and the air was filled with a buzzing sound.

As soon as the door opened, Regulus walked in, and the group of people closest to the door turned around first.

They stood on either side of the entrance, blocking half of the passage, robes touching robes, shoulders bumping shoulders.

Regulus glanced around and saw that they were all Pure-bloods, but none of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.

They were all from small to medium-sized Pureblood families. They crowded at the front, their faces full of eagerness, wishing they could get closer to him.

They have the title of Pure-bloods, some assets, some status, shops in Diagon Alley, or mid-level officials in the Ministry of Magic, but they don't rank on the power map of the UK Wizarding World.

They stood at the front because they were the most eager, and also because they didn't need to be reserved.

Modesty is something that only qualified people need to maintain.

Looking further back, in the sofa area next to the fireplace, the young Wizards of the Sacred Twenty-Eight were sitting.

Some were holding cups, some were talking in hushed tones, and some were simply sitting, glancing towards the door before looking away. They certainly wanted to come closer, but they couldn't afford to squeeze in with the smaller families at the door; that would be beneath them. So they waited. As for the Half-bloods, not a single one was there; in this setting, the Half-bloods dared not push their way in.

The entrance is now the center of the entire lounge, the focus of all eyes. They are sitting in the innermost corner of the lounge, looking this way, their envy and longing barely concealed.

Regulus observed all this, his face expressionless, his steps unwavering, ignoring everyone's gaze, and continuing straight ahead. Those at the very front of the group paused, a torrent of words already prepared in their minds.

You must be tired during the holidays, Mr. Black. How was your holiday? I heard you did something amazing.

But Regulus walked past them, his eyes fixed ahead, his pace neither fast nor slow, just as he always had.

A tall, thin older boy, with slicked-back hair, was standing at the very front. He had already raised his hand, fingers spread, as if he wanted to pat Regulus's arm or shake his hand.

Regulus's gaze swept across his face without lingering or looking away, as if he were examining a piece of furniture.

The boy's hand froze in mid-air. A companion next to him quickly reached out and pressed his arm down, pulling him back half a step.

The crowd began to push backward.

No one shouted any slogans. The people in the front row started to back up on their own, and those behind them were pushed back. The people behind them kept pushing forward, bumping into each other and getting into a mess in the middle.

But eventually, the people in front retreated quickly, and along the direction Regulus was walking, the crowd parted to both sides, clearing a passage from the doorway directly to the fireplace sofa area.

The passageway was narrow, just wide enough for two people to walk side by side, and there were faces on both sides.

Regulus walked in the lead.

Avery followed behind Regulus on the right, his excitement barely contained, the corners of his mouth kept within what he considered a proper range. His pace had somehow synchronized with Regulus's, his left and right feet moving in perfect unison, his shoulders open, chin slightly raised, trying to project an air of someone accustomed to grand occasions.

He knew, of course, that these people weren't surrounding him because of him, but he walked beside Regulus, stood in this position, and enjoyed the same gaze. He liked it, so much so that he had to pinch his thigh to stop himself from laughing.

Alex stood to Regulus's left rear, his gaze fixed straight ahead, ignoring his surroundings, his expression somewhat helpless.

He disliked being watched, but he knew now wasn't the time to push his way through the crowd; he should just follow along. Hermes walked at the very back, his gloomy face screaming, "Why the hell did I get involved in this?"

He had his hands in his pockets, his eyes fixed on the back of Regulus's head; the people around him seemed like bricks on a wall to him. Two steps behind, Lina Costa and Samuel Vance followed.

They knew their place all too well; they wouldn't walk to the same row as Avery and Alex. They were in the line, but they didn't fight for positions. Their families were completely isolated from news in the Wizarding World. Once they left Hogwarts, the only information they could get was from the newspapers, but their family didn't read newspapers.

Lina's family's subscription fees went to rent, and Samuel's family's the Daily Prophet was made up of old issues his father occasionally picked up from the store. So, during that short holiday, they had no idea what was happening outside.

It wasn't until they arrived at the station on the first day of school that they realized something was wrong.

Those Slytherin Pure-bloods who wouldn't bully them before, but wouldn't even give them a second glance, actually nodded when they saw them.

Still, no one spoke to them. Half-bloods are Half-bloods; the proud Pure-bloods looked down on them, but they did nod.

This is a world of difference compared to the previous complete disregard.

They didn't understand what had happened, but they vaguely guessed it was related to Black.

I asked Alex about it at the dinner party, but Alex couldn't explain it clearly, only saying a few words.

Basically, Black got into a fight during his vacation, and not only that, he burned down the other person's house.

What was burned down was Lestrange Manor, and what was attacked was Bellatrix Lestrange.

The two exchanged a glance after hearing this, and didn't ask any further questions.

Now following behind the group, Lina suppressed a smile, but her eyes shone brightly.

She liked this, being seen by everyone, walking in the procession while people on both sides of the road backed away.

She knew these people were looking at Black, but since she was there, she was seen too.

Samuel walked quietly, his gaze passing over the shoulders of the people in front of him, landing on the back of Regulus at the front. Something flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

Regulus walked to the sofa area in front of the fireplace, turned around, and sat down.

Avery sat down next to him on his right, Alex on his left. Hermes had originally intended to go straight back to his Dormitory, but after looking at the group of people, he hesitated for a moment and then sat down as well.

Lina and Samuel didn't sit down; instead, they walked to either side of the sofa, one on the left and one on the right, and stood.

Regulus's sitting down was a signal; those who had been sitting still began to stand up.

The two men at the front got up from the sofa on the other side of the fireplace and walked over one after the other.

Polius Greengrass walked ahead, thin and with neatly combed light brown hair. A silver-green Prefect Badge was pinned to his left breast, and his robe was without a single wrinkle. He was impeccably upright.

He walked up to Regulus, nodded slightly, and extended his right hand.

Regulus stood up and shook hands with him.

"Black," Polius's voice was clear and firm.

"Greengrass," Regulus replied, his grip firm but quick, releasing his hold after a brief moment.

The two nodded to each other, and that was it.

Polius didn't say a word more, nor did he give any extra glances.

His task was simple: to confirm that the Heir of the Black family had returned, was in good condition, and that the academy's order had not been affected.

The Prefect set the tone: don't make a fuss, don't ask questions, and treat it normally.

Regulus watched his retreating figure, and he understood perfectly well.

Polius was not there to express his opinion or to gather information; he was performing his duties Prefect.

The Greengrass family has been able to maintain its position in the Pure-blood Circle for over a dozen generations, not through speculation, but by avoiding mistakes.

Veronica Yaxley followed behind.

The seventh-year Prefect was tall with sharp features and a solemn expression. Her blond hair was tied in a low ponytail, and the same silver-green badge flashed in the fireplace light.

She approached, a slight smile on her lips, and extended her hand. "Regulus."

The Yaxley family and Black family were acquainted; Walburga and Mrs. Yaxley were frequent guests at each other's tea parties, and the two families addressed each other by first names rather than surnames, which made them seem very familiar with each other.

Regulus shook her hand, a standard social smile playing on his lips, "Veronica."

"My mother took me to Grimmauld Place during the holidays," Veronica said, letting go of her hand, her tone slightly affectionate, "But you weren't there."

"He went to Cornwall," Regulus continued, "To take care of some business. It's a pity I didn't see Mrs. Yaxley. Please give her my regards."

Veronica nodded, her smile deepening. "Mother will be happy."

Then she took a step back, but didn't go far, and stood to the side, facing the crowd, naturally remaining in that position like an emcee.

Regulus glanced at her, and understood.

Veronica's presence here is a way of showing those around her that she's close to the Black family heir.

He ignored her. If the Yaxley family wanted to take advantage of this, so be it. The Black family wouldn't miss the favor they'd made at the tea party.

Next up is Elliott Roxier.

The Slytherin Quidditch Team, a sixth-year student, from the main branch of the Roxier family, tall with broad shoulders that stretched his robes into sharp angles.

His hair was shorter than that of the average Pure-blood Young Master, he had a smile on his lips, walked with a swagger, and looked cheerful.

He grasped Regulus's hand with more force than the previous two, shaking it twice before releasing it, a bright smile revealing a row of white teeth, "Black." "Roxier," Regulus responded.

Elliott leaned forward slightly and said in a low voice, "Well done."

Regulus nodded. "Thank you."

Elliott released his grip, but didn't leave immediately. He turned to look at Alex.

Alex, Avery, Hermes stood up after Regulus did; it was a rather formal occasion, as it was inappropriate for them to sit while Regulus was standing.

Hermes was a little reluctant, but he stood up anyway, only leaning against the sofa armrest, half-sitting and half-leaning, looking like he was slacking off.

Elliott walked over and slapped Alex on the shoulder with considerable force, making Alex stagger.

"A little thin." Elliott squeezed his shoulder, frowned, and looked serious.

They all shared the surname Roxier, though one was from a main branch and the other a collateral branch. They usually only exchanged nods when they met at the academy, but with Regulus's connection, their blood ties became useful.

"We're short-handed in the Chaser," Elliott said, releasing his grip and raising his chin. "Want to give it a try?"

Alex paused for a moment, not expecting this, then gave a slightly shy smile and nodded, "Okay."

Elliott patted his arm with satisfaction, then turned and left.

Next up was Selwyn, a sixth-grader, who brought Rosalie over.

Selwyn the Elder walked ahead, his attitude noticeably more enthusiastic than the others. He consistently expressed his desire to befriend Regulus, making no attempt to hide it, but without overstepping any boundaries.

He walked over and shook hands with a moderate grip, giving it a slight shake, and said with a smile, "Black, Rosalie hasn't gone out much during the holidays. She doesn't go to parties or tea parties; she's just stayed home practicing her Shield Charm."

The tone was relaxed, but the meaning was clear: the people you've mentored are highly valued in our family, and we've been practicing according to your instructions.

Regulus's lips curled into a slight smile, a smile that was more gentle than before, as he turned to Rosalie: "Miss Selwyn."

Rosalie stood behind her cousin, wearing a well-fitting dark robe, her hair tied in a high ponytail. She looked delicate and neat, with slightly red tips on her ears. Her eyes were bright, and her voice was steady, though the last syllable of her voice rose, unable to suppress the excitement in her throat.

"Mr. Black."

Grand Selwyn nodded slightly to Rosalie, Rosalie understood, stepped forward, and drew her wand.

"Protego."

A silver barrier emerged from the tip of the staff, unfolding completely and transparently before her.

It's much more stable than last semester; there are no burrs on the edges, the thickness is uniform, and there's a very fine, flowing texture on the surface.

It's clear she's been practicing; the spell's structure is solid, the Magic Power output is even, and she maintains it steadily.

Regulus stepped forward, raised his right hand, extended his index finger, and gently tapped the barrier.

clang.

Like metal striking metal, crisp and clear, with a short echo.

A visible ripple spread outwards from the point of impact, causing the entire spherical shield to sway slightly, but it didn't shatter.

A few gasps of surprise came from the surrounding area, and a few people leaned forward before shrinking back.

The Shield Charm was surprising enough; among the older students present, few could unleash the complete Shield Charm, let alone a first-year. But what puzzled them even more was Regulus's action—tapping the Shield Charm with his fingers.

Without chanting a spell, waving a wand, or even any premonition of Spellcasting, the barrier shook with a casual tap.

What methods?

Rosalie was also taken aback; she felt the pressure coming from the barrier, so heavy that she almost couldn't hold on.

Regulus withdrew his finger, sensing the state of the barrier.

The things he put in at the last Welcome Party are still there, but most of them have been worn away.

The spell's the Master is gradually replacing the guidance he left behind with her own understanding. At this rate, in another month or two, the Shield Charm will be entirely Rosalie's own.

"Not bad," he said, looking at Rosalie gently. "It's clear you've been practicing."

Rosalie removed the Shield Charm, put down her wand, her chest heaved slightly, and her lips were pursed as if she would burst into laughter if she didn't.

"Miss Selwyn," Regulus added, "You have great talent, don't waste it."

Rosalie nodded vigorously, her eyes shining brightly, her hair tossing over her shoulder, her voice trembling slightly, but she tried to control herself. "I will, Mr. Black."

The elder and Selwyn left. The elder Selwyn nodded to Regulus, Regulus.

Several more arrived one after another.

I greeted the seventh-grade Parkinson's girl, the fifth-grade Flint boy, the first-grade Darius Nott, and the third-grade Macnair Regulus one by one, shaking hands, nodding, addressing them by their last names, and exchanging a few polite words.

I've met all of these people.

A cordial and friendly meeting.

The Wizards of the Sacred Twenty-Eight gradually returned to their positions, and the humming of low conversation resumed around the fireplace.

But there was still a crowd gathered at the entrance, mostly from small and medium-sized families. Now that things were over here, they were starting to get restless again.

Some people were looking this way, and some were whispering among themselves, probably discussing who should go up and speak first.

Regulus had no intention of continuing.

These people are valuable, but he doesn't need to deal with them personally.

He turned and patted Avery on the shoulder. "It's up to you."

Then I walked straight towards the Dormitory.

The crowd parted automatically to make way for him. Alex followed, and Hermes sprang up from the sofa armrest, put his hands in his pockets, and followed behind. Avery stood there for a moment, then the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, a subtle, well-controlled smile, reserved and proper, with a hint of barely suppressed excitement.

He stood up, straightened the collar of his robe, and turned to face the crowd still watching from the doorway.

Lina and Samuel exchanged a glance, then took a few steps forward in unison, moving from either side of the sofa to stand behind Avery, with Lina on the left and Samuel on the right.

Avery glanced back and saw the two men standing behind him, then nodded in satisfaction.

Lina's lips curled slightly, while Samuel's face remained expressionless. The two of them quietly served as a backdrop, complementing Avery's entourage. They knew all too well how to find their place in such situations.

Veronica, still standing nearby, raised an eyebrow slightly upon seeing this, but said nothing.

The Dormitory door closed behind him, and Regulus walked to his bed, reaching out to unbutton the hidden clasp at the collar of his robe.

Alex sat down beside him, Hermes leaned against the bedpost with his arms crossed, watching Regulus.

Avery's voice came from outside, high-pitched, with a deliberately suppressed calmness, the tone well-balanced between enthusiasm and formality. "Everyone..."

Welcome back, the new semester has begun. Black asked me to pass on a few words.