The Library was somewhere Regulus had to visit before leaving school; several books were due to be returned.
The Library was so quiet that the soft rustle of turning pages could be heard. Most students had already packed their luggage and were preparing to go home, leaving only a sparse few still bent over their research.
Regulus walked slowly along the bookshelves, and a hesitant voice came from behind him.
"Regulus?"
Regulus turned back. Lily Evans stood between two rows of shelves, holding a thick stack of books in her arms. The one on top was Advanced Potion-Making.
"Lily." Regulus stopped what he was doing and answered in a gentle tone.
Lily came a few steps closer, her voice slightly nervous. "I... I wanted to send you a Christmas gift, but I don't know what your home address is."
"Your address—can you tell me?" Lily's green eyes fixed on Regulus's gray ones, expectation flashing in them.
Regulus was silent for a moment. His tone remained gentle, but carried apology. "I'm sorry, Lily. The Black family's address is protected by ancient magic. I can't say it. There are magical restraints.
"And outside letters, especially those sent through non-magical channels, can't be delivered directly."
12 Grimmauld Place was shrouded in powerful protective magic.
The address itself contained powerful magic and was a top secret. Even if outsiders merely learned the address, it would trigger a warning from the defensive spells.
What was more, Walburga loathed everything about the Muggle world. If she received a gift from a Muggle family, not only would the gift be destroyed, it might also bring Lily unnecessary trouble.
The light on Lily's face dimmed. She lowered her head, and her long red hair fell down, covering her eyes.
After a long while, her voice sounded a little