Mr. Evans reached out and shook his hand, his voice a little hesitant. "Hello, Regulus."
He had a hundred questions, but he had no idea how to begin. With his daughter and his wife both standing there, nothing seemed quite appropriate to ask.
When Lily saw Regulus walk over to shake her father's hand, her pout and glare gave way to a beaming smile, her eyes curving into two crescents.
She opened her mouth to speak, but Regulus shifted his gaze from Mr. Evans, swept it over her, then looked away again.
Lily narrowed her eyes and went straight back to pouting.
What was that supposed to mean?
Regulus released his hand and turned to the woman beside him, offering her the same smile as he held out his hand. "Hello, Mrs. Evans."
Mrs. Evans was much warmer than her husband. She looked Regulus over, unable to keep the corners of her mouth from lifting, and patted the back of his hand. "Hello, hello. At last we get to meet you."
Regulus let go and turned his attention back to Mr. Evans.
"Thank you for looking after Lily at school," Mr. Evans said, something difficult to define in his voice. "The gifts you sent were far too generous. We've been wanting to thank you in person."
Regulus carried himself with easy grace, his tone gentle. "Lily is the most gifted young witch I know. She's excellent at Potions. In fact, she's helped me a great deal. There's no need to thank me, Mr. Evans. That's what friends are for."
Lily covered her mouth beside him.
Here it came. Regulus was putting on that act again.
Regulus caught her stifling laughter out of the corner of his eye and shot her a glance.
*The adults are talking. What are you laughing