Empty Skies (Regulus)

[alice]

The sky was cloudless and the sun shone warmly down on Hogwarts as Alice headed towards the potions classroom. It was a perfect day to fly. Smiling, she quickly dropped the carefully written note, that explained her absence, into the bin of the Potions teacher. She would be ditching today. Alice was sure that the teacher wouldn't mind, in fact, he'd enjoy it as he did most of her absences. Mostly due to the fact that Alice enjoyed looking for flaws and often pointed them out without a single thought for the need of politeness. Perfection had always been Alices greatest demand, and not many ever fulfilled it.

But Alice wasn't thinking about the teacher or the class she was ditching, she was thinking of all the things she would do on her broomstick. She could feel the rush of cold air against her skin as she flew in the blue sky. Flying was always so pleasant and calming. The cool air refreshed her and sometimes made it seem as though she had nothing to worry about. Her mouth twitched into a smile, that rarely came out, as she reached the courtyard. The sun beamed down on her as she stepped out into the sunlight, her broomstick still held in hand.

At first she looked around for any who may be spying on her or stalking her but with her broomstick in her hand it was hard to concentrate. The sky play before her, without a single cloud. Alice closed her eyes feeling the wind play with her hair, and taking in the fragrance of the flowers that bloomed all around her. The desire for the sky at last melted away any last thought of suspicion and Alice quickly jumped on her broomstick and flew up into the blue sky.

[brett]

Was Regulus Black skipping class? If you'd like to call history of magic a class, then yes. But really Regulus didn't need a class to know the history of magic, the Blacks were the history of magic. Besides that it wasn't as though Professor Binns would notice or care that he was missing. It was Regulus opinion that the ghost teacher actually attempted to be boring in hopes that no one would show up to class. As long as Reg kept up his O in the class what difference did it make if he actually showed up?

Now, what to do with his time, had been planned out already. While Regulus would love to spend the time with his darling girlfriend Indigo, she was not in quite the position to skip. She had DADA...or perhaps Charms, really he wasn't sure, but it was a class he doubted she would want to miss. Plus he hadn't even run into her to see if she was interested, so he would have to settle for his second greatest love, flying. It seemed like it had been ages since Reg had last flown, just for the fun of it.

Of course he flew everyday at quidditch practice and loved it, but it was exhausting work, right now he could take to the skies without worry of quaffles of bludgers. As he reached the halls of the main gate Regulus mounted his Nimbus 1700 and took off out the open castle doors. He was still getting used to the speed and power of his top of the line broom, but the braking charm was what was hardest to get used to. His old broom had been a hand crafted Silver Arrow that he'd gotten when he entered first year. It was technically out of date even at the time, but the quality and detail was outstanding. The broom Currently hung on his bedroom wall back in Grimmauld Place.

As Regulus entered the open air he spotted another figure who must have decided to skip class, out over the courtyard. As he approached he recognized the figure as his ex-giirlfriend Alice Luna. They had dated when Reg was a second, she was his first 'official' girlfriend, but the romance was short lived(about 10 days...maybe it was closer to a month, but the attraction was gone after 10 days, which for Regulus meant it was over). Truth be told he never cared much for her, but at the time he felt the need to feel needed and the then first year seemed an easy option. "Aren't you supposed to be in class?" Regulus smirked, flying up behind Alice.

[alice]

It was the most perfect moment, with the cold wind gushing against her body and the courtyard far below her, it was as if she were free to do anything. Smiling and laughing, Alice was zooming back and forth in the skies, she hadn't noticed the person flying up behind her. Alice nearly fell from her broomstick from surprise when she heard a voice behind her. Gripping the handle of her broom, she remounted her broom and turned it around to stare into the green eyes of the person who had managed to sneak up on her. Regulus Black. She let out a gasp of surprise, "Oh, Regulus..." she whispered softly, still quite surprised to think straight. She flushed, "I'm ditching Potions....I felt like flying..."

Then all sense came back to her. Regulus had been the most perfect person she had met in the world. Even now it was hard to find a single flaw. He had been her first boyfriend back when she had been a first year. He was enchanting and his charm was, she had to admit, so powerful back then. But now, it hardly took any effect "Now what are you doing up here, Reg? Don't you have class too?" asked Alice, cooly. Alice didn't love him or really care for him but in a way, Regulus was kind of her friend. They both shared the same interest of twisting others wills to their own and took pleasure in others pain.

Unlike her cousins, Bella and Edward, Alice didn't have any special powers. She couldn't see what would happen in the future or read peoples thoughts and minds. She was perfectly...normal. Back then when she had been a first year, her one desire was for someone to actually care for her. Edward and Bella had distanced and her parents....were out of the question. At that time.....Regulus was the perfect person and "the love of her life".

[brett]

Regulus met Alice's surprised look with a sneaky grin, clearly she had not been expecting him. Reg wondered if it were the fact that it was him she had turned around to see or if she just didn't expect any company at all considering the time frame...he decided to say it was the first option even if it wasn't the truth. "Fair enough," he commented on Alice's explaination. Regulus actually rather liked Prof. Reinard's class, but to each their own.

"I suppose that would depend upon your definition of a class. I don't consider flipping between doodling on parchment and sleeping while a ghost drones on for an hour about things I already know a class," Regulus explained quite satisfied with his answer. The Headmaster himself couldn't have argued with such a stunning argument. Of course the Headmaster would never find out that Regulus had missed class, that lazy old man hardly ever left the confines of his office. Reg wasn't quite sure what the headmaster should be doing or where he should be if not in his office, but it still seemed as though Dumbledore got a lot of prestige for sitting in a comfy chair in a tower office.

"How've you been?" Regulus asked cordially turning his mind and attention back to his ex girlfriend. It hadn't been a bad romance, and for a first girlfriend Alice was quite fitting. She was solid in Slytherin ideals and quite beautiful (though Regulus hardly saw her that way any more). In fact if the relationship had last much longer he may have introduced Alice to his parents, and he was sure they would have arranged their marriage on the spot. That was a big part of why Regulus ended it, he just didn't care for in that way.

Reg's mind shifted to his new girlfriend, the first person he truly loved. Did Alice know? What would she think about his dating a Gryffindor? Did it matter? Reg and Alice were still on friendly terms, but he certainly wasn't about to break up with Indi if she disapproved. After all she would just be one more name added to the list.

[alice]

For some reason her heart had begun to beat hard in her chest. Why was she so scared? It was just Regulus....unless she wasn't scared, and was actually excited to--Alice shook the thought away. The Elders of her family had decided to give her another chance, and she wasn't about to shame her family for a old boyfriend. Knowing that she must look like a complete idiot, she quickly switched back to her normal look that made her look as if she were up to something very bad, "You have a point," replied Alice, looking at Regulus's eyes with her gray ones "Do you wand to race?" she asked, flashing a grin. Some things would never change between them, and racing on broomsticks was their "official" hobby.

Alice's eyes lightened, as a million answers flashed in her head, "I'm very well, thanks. Just doing the usual hexing and flushing random people down toilets and," added Alice, smiling wickedly "Charming a bunch of first years to do a few amusing things" Regulus knew her hobbies, she had no idea why he would ask such a question and obviously she looked as fine as normal other than the fact that he had scared the shit out of her. The look on Regulus's face changed Alice's mood quickly as her smile quickly faded into a frown. He was remembering about their old relationship....and thinking about his new one. Their relationship had lasted for about a month, and recognizing and identifying his every face and emotion was a ability she had gotten during that time.

Alice shifted uneasily on her broomstick, "Indigo Grace, right?" she said dully, her voice unrecognizable. What did Regulus want her to say? That he did an awesome job? or that she still loved him? or that she regretted ever being his girlfriend? "Reg, you're my friend....your romance life has never held any interest to me ever since the day we broke up. Gryffindor girlfriend or not, I seriously do not care. But if you ever say anything like 'Slytherin sucks' or that you're a gryffindor in disguise...I'll have Bella rip your spleen out" Alice made it obvious that she herself did not want to kill him for a reason concering she might collapse because her weakened body and cause herself to have to visit the Hospital Wing a week early. The hospital. Her parents had-- Alice trembled, remembering the memory so accurately that it seemed as though it was just yesterday "If you just came up here to make me remember bad memories than just say so, so I can leave you be" she said coldly, trying desperately to shake away the horrible memory.

Regulus was her friend, and she cared for him as a friend should. But Alice didn't appreciate anyone who made her remember that memory and that memory specifically.

[brett]

"I suppose it wouldn't be a proper meeting for us if we didn't," Regulus smirked. On paper, Alice had been perfect, cute, evil, arrogant, and she loved to fly...but when it came down to it Reg just didn't love her. "Though I should tell you now that you don't stand much of a chance, I've got a new broom now," Regulus said gesturing to the Nimbus 1700 beneath him. e was rather proud of his top of the line broom, even if he did miss the hand-crafted comfort of his silver arrow.

"Some things never change," Regulus smirked as Alice told him she was keeping up to her usual tricks. Of course he had been up to the same things as well...though it was less and less so recently. How she and Bella were related at all he couldn't fathom, but then again people had said the same thing about Sirius and himself. Takes all sorts he supposed.

"I didn't say a word," Regulus defended himself. He had forgotten Alice had learned to read him so well, that was perhaps why no girl since her lasted more than two weeks. Of course he expected Indi would last much longer than that...hopefully forever. "And she may be a Gryffindor, but she's still a pureblood...and if I ever uttered such words I would rip out my own spleen," Regulus assured her once again bringing on the mask of the snake. It was one he hadn't worn often since finding his true love, but it was clearly that he would need to around Alice. "Now are we racing or aren't we?" he asked a competitive glint in his eyes.

[alice]

At his comment, Alice looked down at her broom letting out a small laugh, "How convenient," replied Alice, smirking slightly "I have a new one too" Obviously Regulus had forgotten her frequent shopping sprees even though she had often forced him to come with her during their relationship. Alice loved shopping as much as loved flying, and her family's wealth only encouraged her to go to Hogsmeade whenever she could. Her recent shopping date had been yesterday with her cousin, Bella.

Alice turned back to look at Regulus, to see if he had reacted at all to what she had said. Her eyes narrowed, Regulus's face had once again taken a drastic change, "If you're thinking about how Bella and I are related, we are cousins," she said "But why you are even thinking about her is strange.....did something drastic happen between you...other than the fact that she tried to kill you twice?" She was curious. Bella had mentioned about the time she and he and dueled....and that they'd almost succeeded killing each other. It was quite amusing..."There really isn't a difference, you know, between Bella and me..." she said quietly, whether he would explain the details, Alice didn't know. She wasn't a gifted seer like Bella and she couldn't read minds like Edward but she was the perfect little girl.

She could tell that he had forgotten that she could read him well, and it was that fact that made her so excited. Alice reached over to Regulus and flicked him in the face, "Why are you in such a hurry to lose?" she asked, looking him once again in the eyes "Stop being such a impaitient grump, or I'll knock you off your broomstick" she threatened playfully and then without a moments notice, she took off laughing "Loser!!!"

[brett]

"You never were one to fall behind the latest trends," Regulus commented dryly. It was funny how much you forgot about a person you used to know so much about. Alice was practically a stranger to him now. Perhaps because he had buried his memories of the month with her under quidditch statistics other past girlfriends. It was strange as know he couldn't even recall if Alice had boyfriends after him. Certainly she'd been in the company of boys, charming them the way she did, but as for dating he wasn't sure. Though surely she must have.

"Would you stop doing that whole reading my mind thing? It creeped me out when we were dating and it creeps me out now," Regulus said diverting his eyes from her. It was scary the way she could read him so easily. She might not be able to read minds in the purest sense of the words, but she may as well have been when it came to Regulus. He would have to remember to put a gaurd up around his thoughts for the rest of the afternoon. "And how's that?" Regulus asked intrigued by Alice's statement that there was no difference between her and her cousin Bella. Alice was like Reg, and Bella hated everything about Reg, so how could it be there was no difference.

Regulus was about to make a trademarked witty remark, most likely something about the fact that he was the captain of the Slytherin quidditch team and he didn't lose, some such thing. Instead he was left at a disadvantage, taking off quickly after Alice. The wind dried his eyes quickly and he had to squint as he increased the acceleration on his broom catching up to Alice working to break even. He wasn't quite sure where they were racing to...whic could make it difficult to win, but as long as he stayed drafting Alice until the last moment he stood a chance.

[alice]

Alice glanced back to see that Regulus was closing in on her, she smiled. Regulus and his big pride. Had he really forgot that she hated losing and that anyone who won against her would be hexed to kingdom come?.....She slowed down allowing Regulus to zoom past her and turned round to fly back to the area they had once been before, "I win," she said happily. Who cares if she won unfairly. If Reg had won, she would have to duel him and with her weakened body, and his skill--"Your face is like a mirror of your heart, Regulus" said Alice, darkly "No, I do not date.....and I never will. I only charm and bewitch...." she added answering the question that seemed to be filling his mind and forgetting that she indeed had dated. And the person she had dated had been him. Alice enjoyed bending others will to her own, and making them do amusing things. In a way, it was her usual hobby. People suffering, people crying...it was so pleasurable.

Alice puckered her lips, "Awww, but its so much fun" she said, smiling. Her charms were probably futile against Regulus but there was no harm in trying. Besides reading him was her specialty.....it was so easy and simple, "You got it wrong, Reg, she doesn't hate you...in the way you think. Bella is quite a complex person. She's actually exactly like me, except for the fact that she denies her evil and has a different opinion towards pure-bloods and muggles. Also, I might add....she seems to have a slight crush for you, said Alice, smirking " Have you been charming her?" Of course he probably hadn't been but she had to know and the truth about Bella liking Reg was quite real, though she'd call it a joke if Reg asked her. In Alice's opinion, Bella seemed to be falling quite easily for Regulus.....and it was hard to think that someone such as her could actually fall for the charms of the serpentine prince....then again, Alice had.

Another smile lit up on Alice's face as she remembered the day that Bella had told her all about the near-death fights and...the vulgar thoughts that made it seem as though Bella were falling head-over-heels in love with Reg.....which was quite amazing for someone such as Bella who trained extra hard to never give in to the charms of other and keep up the family trait of breaking the hearts of unfortunate people. Of course it was quite normal for a Evangeline, such as her cousins and herself, to break hearts. A thought came to her head, "You must go shopping with me sometime," said Alice, closing her eyes and yawning "I'm sure you and Bella could be friends...if you just be a little more nicer, Reg..." It wasn't everyday that someone told the serpentine prince what to do, but Alice wasn't a someone she was his ex and she wasn't afraid of him....at all. There was nothing Reg could ever do, including kill her, that would scare her.

With a sigh, Alice laid backwards on her broom, balancing perfectly making sure to not wobble, "Reg, you shouldn't fight with Bella...anyone who did, always turned up to be dead in a few days or so" said Alice distantly, she wondered if Regulus actually cared for her as a friend as she did or if he just thought of her as just another ex in his pile of old rejects. It was a shame that Alice had fallen for him. It was a even bigger shame that Alice no longer held any romantic feelings toward him, "Reg, are you my friend?" said Alice dully, her voice sounded like a dead pan voice. The kind that usually was used for the boring characters in the movies.

[brett]

Regulus continued to fly just a bit less than even with Alice, she was going to try and trick him, he new it. After all she hadn't been the only one to pick up on a few things during their short span of dating. Anything to win was something of a Slytherin motto and Alice was perfect proof as she cut back towards where they had started. Reg cussed as he pulled hard to make the turn, he actually took it quite well considering his velocity and the fact that felt like the skin was about to peel right off his knuckles with the sharpness of the turn around. It wouldn't be enough, however, as he came up just behind Alice. "Fair and square as always," he smiled sarcastically as she informed him that she one. "You did date, once," Regulus reminded her smirking. He didn't like being forgotten, but as could be expected it seemed he was the first and last.

"For you maybe," Regulus said rolling his eyes. Being read like a book was no fun at all for him, but it was hard to hid emotion in his soulful emerald eyes...he would need to work on that. "If I have I assure you it's unintentional," Reg answered almost disgusted by the thought Alice would think he had been trying to charm her. But something had caught his ear before that. Turns out he was right Bella was more susceptible to his snake like charms than she was letting on. It made her actions make a little more sense, but Reg wasn't sure how he felt about this. On one hand he was rather proud that he had once again managed to charm on of the supposedly uncharmable Evangeline's. On the other hand Bella seemed rather dead set on hating Reg, so combated her crush with hostility, which was less than fun for the serpentine prince.

"Your joking," Regulus managed before having to yawn himself. Damn the fact that it was so contagious. Really though? Shopping with Alice and Bella? He could barely stand shopping with just Alice when they were dating, to now add Bella, well he might as well just go jump from the astronomy tower now. "And it's impossible for me to be nice to her Alice. As soon as I say anything near nice, she screams at me to stop trying to charm her, and then if I'm mean she hates me for that...I can't win with that girl," Regulus explained still a little frustrated with the whole situation. The best solution in his mind was to just stay away from her.

"Yea, well I wasn't trying to fight her, it's not my fault she's got a short fuse," Regulus shot back. That fight was Bella's doing, just going there had been a mistake on his part, whether it had been set up as a trap or not, which, according to Bella it hadn't been. Either way Reg wasn't about to go anywhere with Bella alone anymore. If she could bring Ella with her everywhere, Reg would need someone as well to even the odds. "She's gonna make me to the unbreakable vow," he added still angered by the notion. It was purely ridiculous. But his thoughts about Bella and her ridiculous vow were cut through, but Alice's next question. Were they friends? Reg had never really thought about it before, "Yea, I guess, why?" he asked wondering if there was a follow up as Alice didn't usually ask this sort of question.

[alice]

Alice winced as though Reg had just struck her, "Yes, I did...once" admitted Alice, seeming almost sad. The elders of her family had been so disappointed with her, and because of her fall, she had increased their expectations towards the sole heirs of her family...Bella and Ed. Now they carried even heavier burdens than they already had to carry such as the fact that they bore the name Evangeline, while she bore her fathers name which was Luna. Alice hadn't really fallen in true love but it had been love. But to think about it now....it was almost pitiful that she, a Evangeline, had fallen for such simple tricks of the art of Charming and Bewitching--She shook away the thoughts, turning back to see Reg's reaction to her statement. Regulus almost seemed disgusted that she had thought he was trying to charm her cousin but even though disgust was clearly printed all across his face, she could tell that he was somewhat proud, "Reg, be careful when messing with the sole heirs of the Evangeline family...the Elders will not be so kind to Bella as they were to me," said Alice suddenly serious, her grey eyes darkening a bit.

Obviously Reg wasn't about to admit that he was proud even though it was still plastered on his face to be viewed by the skilled eyes of those who could read him easily, "Yes I was..." lied Alice, smirking to give the lie a little effect "Don't be a bump on a log, just try to be a little of both and try to aim to surprise her...and by that I don't mean any stupid compliments, I just mean don't fight back..." Now she sounded like one of those spies that gave away personal information to frauds and con artists. But either way, Alice had no idea why she had just said that...did she want Bella to be friends with Regulus or did she want her to get scolded by the Elders? Whatever the idea, Alice knew that she was definitely giving away secret information....Bella would kill her...

The Unbreakable Vow...Bella had mentioned that. Reg was supposed to promise to never fight her and in return Bella would promise as well, "Other than the fact that you have to hold hands and make a deadly promise....its not that bad, actually" said Alice, not answering the comment about Bella's temper. It was true and quite obvious that she had a temper that could spark easily, "Bella wasn't setting up, just to let you know..." Alice said immediately, reading the fraction of the emotion that was displayed across Reg's face.

Yea, I guess, why?"

Alice sat up, a bit annoyed. What a stupid answer. He sounded unsure...., "Just another random question" said Alice quickly, lowering her eyes when she noticed that she had been glaring at him with her specialized death stare that normally frightened first years.

[brett]

"Geez, don't sound so happy about it," Regulus said sarcastically. There relationship hadn't been that bad. Or was it that Alice was sad that it had ended? She didn't seem to broken up about it at the time, at least not in front of him. Besides, would her family have forced her to end the relationship because that crazy can't fall in love rule they had. "I told you I'm not messing with her, and even if I was what makes you think I care about what would happen to her?" Regulus asked crossly. He made it very clearly that he had no intention of hitting on Bella or anything of that sort and if Alice expected him to give a damn about her cousins fate, then maybe she didn't know him quite as well as she thought.

"You do know who you're talking to right?" Regulus said looking around as if he was looking for someone else that Alice must have been talking to. First of all Regulus Black hardly ever catered to the desires of others, the exceptions were of course: his parents, the Dark Lord and his girlfriend, Indigo Grace. Anyone else who didn't like who he was would have to deal with it or better yet just stay away from him. "I'm still in favor of just never talking to or interacting with her again, but apparently no one else sees this as a solution," Regulus added unsure why everyone but him seemed to over look this option. Since when did everyone decide he and Bella should be friends and try to get along? She was just another annoying little Gryffindor.

"Hmm, I'm not sure which of those bothers me more," Regulus smirked referring to the two conditions of the vow. Of course it was the unbreakable promise part that really bothered him. He wasn't exactly thrilled with having to hold Bellas hand, but if he had to choose between the two he'd take Bella's hand every time. "Bella wasn't setting up, just to let you know..." Reg almost scolded her for reading his mind again, but decided it was no use as she was going to keep doing it anyway. "So I've heard," he said dismissively. The point wasn't if Bella set him up, the point was she wasted no time in getting to duel, because he refused to be afraid of her alter ego.

Alice seemed almost dissappointed with Reg's answer, even though he said they were friends. Maybe it was the way he said it. "Do you think we're friends?" Regulus asked returning the question hoping Alice would give him some insight into what the correct answer should have been.

[alice]

Alice sighed, sarcasm was one of Reg's major traits but another annoying trait of his would be misunderstanding her reactions and not being able to see the quite obvious, "I am not brokenup, you dimwit, I was just thinking on how disappointed my ENTIRE family was with me and how much trouble I caused my parents and cousins because of my stupidity," said Alice icily, her gray eyes darkening. It wasn't normal for her, Alice Luna, to say she was stupid or admit outright about the fact that she had made a flaw. Alice spun her broomstick at Regulus, trying to make it wobble a bit, "If you have any sense in that pea-sized brain of yours, you'd care not to mess with the heirs of the Evangeline family," she snarled, not hiding the malice that was in her voice "Regulus. I know EXACTLY who I am talking to. The thing is...YOU don't know who YOU'RE talking to"

It was true. He barely remembered anything about her. Her hobbies, her likes and dislikes and most of all her nickname...Ali. Arguments. They didn't really happen between her and Regulus though when they did...the entire school became their battleground. But the fact that Alice had a cold personality and Regulus managed to keep his chill (usually), their friendship was still smooth.

Alice shivered, closing her eyes, anger would only quicken the dropping strength of her weakened body. She reopened her eyes. Regulus was still there on his broomstick but, for some reason, everything blurred for a brief second and then cleared. Stupid, weak, body of hers. Do you think we're friends? Alice hesitated before answering. Should she answer the question directly as she would always? or should she be indirect like Regulus?

Before she could reply or react, the scene before her once again blurred. Suddenly everything was spinning and her head ached with dizziness. And then...she was falling into a icy darkness.

[brett]

"You call me a dimwit, right before you admit your own stupidity, interesting strategy there Luna," Regulus said reverting to addressing her by her last name. Regulus didn't take kindly to name calling, especially when it came to his intelligence. He had, on more than one occasion made people pay for insinuating or in some cases flat out say he was 'just another stupid Slytherin.' Not even Alice's status as an ex-girlfriend would protect her if she continued to insult him in such a way

"You know it's rather amusing to hear you and your cousin talk as though your family holds some sort of power," Regulus smirked. She had insulted him again so now it was his turn to retaliate. "The Blacks are wizard royalty. You'd do well to remember that fact darling," Reg's cold voice hissed. He was getting rather tired of Alice's tone when she referred to her family. Reg was all for pride in being a pureblood, but there was a difference between being pureblood and being a Black and the sooner Alice realized that the better.

AS soon as he was done taunting and actually took a look at Alice he could tell something was wrong. She looked about ready to fall right off her broom, and sure enough, before Reg could even ask if she felt ok Alice was tumbling towards the ground. Reg instinctively dove after her as though she were the golden snitch, but as soon as he did realized catching her while keeping balance on the broom would be near impossible. He drew his wand, "Immobulus," he cried pointing his wand at Alice watch her form slow and then freeze as if it she were caught in a large mold of gelatin. Reg removed the effects of the spell catching Alice in his arms and sitting side saddle on his broom which took them back towards the castle and to the Hospital wing.

[alice]

It was a exceptionally quiet night, the faint sound of small feet against marble floor echoed throughout the empty halls of the Luna mansion as Alice frantically ran about, searching for her mother. "Momma! Momma!" she screeched, her voice breaking. "Yes?" replied a voice from behind her. Alice spun around to see her mother leaning against a wall, "Momma, I'm scared," she said, pulling her mother into a quick embrace "Are you and papa going to leave me like you left Morgan?". Her mother laughed, "Of course not, you silly girl," she said, patting her on the head "Unless you want me to leave...?" Alice froze, her thoughts in complete chaos. Mother...gone? Forever? "Momma, promise to NEVER leave me!" she sobbed, hugging her mother tighter. Lucy (her mother) laughed again, "I promise, I will never leave you," she whispered, hugging the sobbing Alice ever closer.

A lie. A big, fat lie. Tears ran from her unopened eyes, the salty water cold as ice in the chilly wind. Something was wrong, Other than the fact that she felt tired and her head ached from the continuous pounding , she was fine. There was no pain whatsoever which meant no broken limbs or bones. Which couldn't and shouldn't be true. She had fallen off of her broomstick, probably and most likely, head first. So she should probably be either handicapped or dead by now...unless....

Alice's eyes fluttered open, releasing the tears that hadn't escaped her eyes during her unconsciousness, and staring up at the person who had caught her from her deadly fall. The face was as blurred as mostly everything else but she knew straight away who it was, Regulus. Alice almost stopped breathing as her mind started working. Regulus. Tears on face. Very vulnerable. All at once Alice wiped her stupid tears away and readjusted her position in his arms. How long had she been unconscious? Alice hadn't any idea. This reminded her of something in the past, when she and Regulus was still dating, "This brings back memories," she said, smiling weakly as she recalled the time she had fainted because of her weakened body though she could not remember whether she had or had not told Regulus why she had such a weak body...

As her vision started to clear, Alice could see that they were soaring over toward the-- Alice paled, her smile vanishing. The Hospital Wing. A Hospital. No! her entire body and mind screamed, "Regulus, don't!!!" she whispered, one of her hands seeking out the handle of the broom as if to try and turn the broom around...away from the hospital wing....and the memories that would be reawakened along with it.