AS I LAY DYING , Regulus Black "WTM"

୧ ׅ𖥔 ۫ stolen to the moments of time

as i lay dying -- act two, chapter one
stolen to the moments of time ˚ · .

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The dawn of a new day cast a golden hue over the Great Hall, where students, teachers, and family members gathered once more. They had wisely taken a break to digest the revelations and brace themselves for what Harry had ominously dubbed, "his first year and when everything went to hell." His exact words sent a ripple of unease through the hall, prompting Professor McGonagall to swiftly suggest they reconvene the next day, refreshed and ready.

As the morning sun streamed through the enchanted ceiling, breakfast was a subdued affair, the usual chatter replaced by thoughtful silence.

Once the last crumbs were cleared away, the chairs were transfigured into plush, comfortable seating. Harry, with a determined stride, claimed the spot to Eden's left, where his father had sat the previous day.

James, arriving a moment later, found his usual seat occupied by his own son. The other spot next to the Hufflepuff girl was taken by Regulus, with little Gemini perched on her father's lap, her golden curls catching the light. James pouted dramatically at Eden, who couldn't help but smile at the amusing situation.

Eden, ever the peacemaker, pulled Harry closer, creating just enough space on the crowded couch for James to squeeze in. Despite Harry's playful protests, James muttered about 'betrayals' and 'Eden always being the favorite.' Ignoring his father's smug grin, Harry rested his head on Eden's shoulder, finding comfort in her presence.

Percy, not bothered about the full soft, chose to sit at his parents feet. The room buzzed with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, as everyone settled in, ready to delve into the next chapter of Harry's tumultuous first year.

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**July 31st, 1991**

Eerie music whispered through the screen, unveiling a shadowy figure gliding down the dimly lit hallway of a mysterious home. The walls seemed to close in, shadows dancing ominously as the figure moved with a ghostly grace.

The hall fell into an eerie silence, tension thick in the air. Hearts pounded like war drums as the figure, an apparent intruder, made their way through the unfamiliar house. Given the horrors they'd already witnessed, the likelihood of another attack loomed large, casting a shadow of dread over the scene.

The creak of a door echoed, amplifying the suspense as the figure cautiously pushed it open, slipping inside with the stealth of a cat.

The music swelled, growing more intense with each step the figure took towards a bed, where someone lay peacefully asleep. The room was bathed in a faint, eerie glow, casting long, unsettling shadows.

Closer and closer it crept, until suddenly, with a burst of energy, it leaped onto the bed, shouting, "Happy birthday!!" The startled sleeper jolted awake, eyes wide with surprise.

A cacophony of screams erupted, reverberating through the room like a sudden storm. Even Sirius-though he'd vehemently deny it later-found his voice joining the fray.

The tension, thick and suffocating, shattered like fragile glass under the weight of the unexpected exclamation, leaving everyone in a state of breathless surprise.

The room's light flicked on by magic, revealing Eden sprawled lazily on top of a groggy Harry, who rubbed his eyes as his godmother beamed with joy. The room, now fully illuminated, showed walls adorned with colours of red and gold with hints of yellow.