Something like the Hogwarts treasure is simply too lethal for a Little Wizard of Severus's age! And he could hardly imagine how arrogant Black and Potter would be if they found the treasure first!
At this time, Snape was not yet the future master of Occlumency; his thoughts and feelings were almost directly written on his face. Just by looking at his expression, Regulus knew—
Severus was thoroughly hooked by him!
"I'm attempting to make, uh, Amortentia," Snape hesitated for a moment before deciding to be honest. "But it's not guaranteed to succeed yet."
"Ah?! Why would you want to make that?" This was an answer Regulus hadn't expected at all. "No wonder, its scent is so pleasant."
"You almost ruined my Potion just now," Severus said with lingering fear, his stirring hand not stopping. "It seems you know the purpose of this Potion."
Of course, this was the famous Voldemort production water.
Severus added a few points to Regulus in his internal "House Cup" score and continued, "As for what I'm doing, uh, I can't tell you yet—"
You're not planning to use it on James and my brother, are you? A strange thought flashed through Regulus's mind. If so, it would be quite a show!
"Everyone has secrets, don't worry," Regulus suppressed the corners of his mouth and shrugged. "Regarding the Hogwarts treasure, well, based on my previous investigations, we can talk about the details later (Regulus: Because I haven't had time to make them up yet)—in short, right now, I'm looking for Slytherin-related patterns in the Castle."
He paused, continuing his fabrication, "It's a bit of a gamble, exploring the Castle along the way—and right here, I found a very rare crest." Regulus pointed shamelessly at an exquisite bronze faucet.
Snape put down his Potion and walked over to examine it with Regulus. Sure enough, he saw a serpentine pattern, quite intricately carved, but it didn't look particularly special.
"Lumos!" Regulus held up his shining wand and waved it. Under the flickering light, the snake seemed to move, instantly improving its appearance. "I'm still studying these different patterns. I heard this is Moaning Myrtle's territory, so I wanted to ask her if she knew any secrets. But before you came in, we weren't getting along, and Moaning Myrtle flew away."
"Severus, you absolutely must keep this a secret!"
"Of course, a Slytherin never snitches," Snape's expression became unprecedentedly serious.
Nothing promotes friendship more than keeping each other's secrets. If there were a friendship progress bar, Regulus believed it must have increased significantly just now.
"However, speaking of which," Regulus changed the subject, "Amortentia seems to be quite expensive—I remember someone selling it in Diagon Alley, a tiny bottle only enough for one sip, should sell for a good amount of money, at least measured in Galleons."
Snape looked at his cauldron with a mixture of doubt and belief, his gaze gradually becoming fervent, as if the shimmering Potion in the pot gleamed with a golden future.
"Of course, finding a buyer at first won't be easy. And it requires a lot of raw materials. But if you can guarantee quality and output—not just this one, the demand for reliable Potions is not small." Regulus seriously considered the matter. "Sev, your family is in London, right? How about we go to Diagon Alley together this summer to check it out?"
How did he suddenly start calling him Sev—Severus was still in a daze—
"My family isn't in London."
"Then it's settled," Regulus didn't give Snape a chance to refuse. "I'm heading back first, be careful. See you!"
...
The next day, May twelfth, Saturday.
In the morning, while Regulus was having breakfast in the Great Hall, he unexpectedly received a package by owl.
"Dear Regulus,
Cissy told us about your recent reckless actions. You got into trouble and were given detention, and your father and I were originally very disappointed about this.
But Professor Slughorn also wrote, saying that you merely proved your spellcasting ability and that your performance was excellent, and we have nothing to worry about—very good, it seems you are striving for our family.
(Regulus: Professor Slughorn, so smooth, this guy is someone you can deal with!)
Remember to uphold the honor of the Black Family! Do not follow in your brother's footsteps! The final exams are approaching, we hope you get good grades, and we will reward you.
Sincerely,
Mother
P.S. Enclosed are your favorite snacks, made by Kreacher."
Regulus put down the letter and picked up the package to open it: inside were two packets of French pastries, not only Regulus's favorite but also Sirius's weakness.
Speaking of the devil, over there, Sirius and Potter were walking towards the breakfast table, arguing quietly about something.
Regulus picked up the package and walked closer, just managing to hear "Remus," "taking leave," "hiding it from us," and so on.
"Morning, Sirius, James. Mum wrote to me."
"Ah?" Sirius looked as if he was facing a formidable enemy.
"These are snacks Kreacher made, this is your half." Regulus stuffed a packet of snacks into Sirius's arms and sat down beside the two of them.
Sirius could never refuse snacks made by Kreacher; he immediately opened the package, took out a pastry, and shared it with James. James ate it suspiciously, chewed a few times, and his eyes lit up.
"Wow, delicious! Kreacher made these? The one you mentioned, the—" James pointed to his head, drawing a circle with his index finger, "—the House-elf?"
"Although he..." Sirius remembered that Regulus liked Kreacher and swallowed the rest of his sentence, continuing, "Well—his cooking is, indeed, beyond reproach."
As he spoke, Sirius keenly noticed the unfriendly, gossiping glances from the Slytherin table. He frowned and asked,
"Aren't you afraid your Housemates will be unhappy if you talk to us like this?"
"Who are they? What business is it of theirs?" Regulus shrugged indifferently, throwing out a deafening piece of wisdom—
"If I care about what they think, then I become their slave!"
Such a profound statement coming from Regulus's mouth made both Sirius and Potter Stunned for a moment.
"Makes sense, right? I read it in a Muggle book."
?!
Hearing this, Sirius and James looked as if they had been struck by lightning, too shocked to speak. Especially Sirius—his own brother, the young master of the Black Family, reading Muggle books? He himself hadn't even reached that level of radicalism, alright?
Regulus unhurriedly finished his snacks, cast a Scouring Charm on his hands, and stood up to leave.
He had a big project today too—at Hogwarts—practicing climbing.
"Thanks for the snacks," Sirius felt he should say something. "Uh—we're going to Hogsmeade village for the weekend later, do you need anything brought back?"
Wait, you're only second years, what are you doing going to Hogsmeade? He kept this thought to himself.
"Thanks, anything I wanted to buy, I've already ordered by mail," Regulus spread his hands. "What I need most right now is an eagle."
"An eagle? Why do you need an eagle?" Potter asked curiously.
"Because owls aren't eagles," Regulus said helplessly, complaining to the system again in his heart—giving him the skill "Eagle Vision" but not an eagle, what kind of logic is that?
"Of course, owls aren't eagles."
"Don't you think—an owl is like an eagle with a cat's head?"
Sirius was just smiling, when James beside him said casually, "If you want an eagle, it's simple, just tell your family, right?"
Sirius nodded, adding inwardly: Moreover, Regulus is now their parents' favorite son. If he said he wanted an eagle, Kreacher could catch him three.
Huh?
That's right, he was also a rich second generation, and the precious 'small account' in a family where the parents thought the 'large account' was ruined.
This was—his real cheat.