Time is tight, must at all costs—
Become stronger!
Regulus put in 200% effort. Besides the non-negotiable eight hours of sleep every day—completing assignments diligently, searching for information like looking for a needle in a haystack, gathering intelligence, practicing climbing, Stealth... even entertainment time was planned in advance.
He was either causing trouble all day or on the way to cause trouble, often surviving only on sandwiches stuffed in his school robes.
This is probably the life of a top-student British student.
This busyness wasn't unique; in fact, except for some seventh-year students whose graduation and career paths were set, almost every student was as busy as a little bee—cramming for academics, wandering and adventuring around the school again before the summer holidays, enjoying time with friends...
The Room of Requirement continued to be a great help. Regulus hadn't shared the room yet. Anyway, the summer holidays were coming soon, he would think about it next semester—
With such a diligent and fulfilling rhythm, time quietly flowed by.
...
At the feast celebrating the end of the school year, the Great Hall was newly decorated with magic, and everyone's faces were beaming with the joy of graduation or the approaching summer holidays. Of course, there were also groups like Sirius's, who were reluctant to part ways, as if they wanted to settle down at Hogwarts.
The teachers' table was also full. Professor McGonagall, Professor Slughorn, Professor Sprout, and Professor Flitwick sat clustered around Dumbledore in the center.
On another note: this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was hit by his own spell and was currently receiving care from St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries' medical team.
This year's House Cup awarding ceremony—as usual, presided over by Headmaster Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.
Headmaster Dumbledore stood up from the platform. His figure was tall and thin, his silver-white hair and beard sparkling. On his slightly crooked hooked nose rested the famous half-moon spectacles. His magnificent purple Wizard's robe was embroidered with golden lines, lively and flowing, very aesthetically pleasing, showing excellent taste.
This was the first time Regulus had seen Dumbledore up close since coming to this world. Being new, he didn't have enough time each day and didn't deliberately try to approach the Headmaster, so he naturally had no real opportunity to interact with this Grand Sorcerer, who had more titles in the Wizarding World than could be counted and was certified by Chocolate Frogs.
In the brilliant candlelight, Regulus couldn't see the color of his eyes but could feel the power in his gaze that reached directly into people's hearts.
The First White Wizard, truly terrifying.
"This year, first of all, congratulations to Gryffindor for winning the Quidditch championship! The match was very exciting, congratulations to the little lions of Gryffindor!"
A cheer erupted from the Gryffindor table!
"Now, as far as I know, we will first proceed with the House Cup awarding ceremony. The detailed scores for each House are as follows: Fourth place, Gryffindor, three hundred and twelve points; Third place, Hufflepuff, three hundred and fifty-two points; Ravenclaw, four hundred and twenty-six points; Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two points!"
A thunderous cheer and stomping erupted from the Slytherin long table.
This time, without Dumbledore's last-minute points, Slytherin was the well-deserved champion.
Dumbledore smiled and gestured for silence. Just then, to everyone's surprise, a group of first-year Little Wizards led by Regulus stood up from one end of the Slytherin long table.
Amidst the surprised silence, a song no one had ever heard before echoed through the Hogwarts Great Hall—
"We are the champions, my friends."
"And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end."
"We are the champions."
"We are the champions."
"'Cause we are the champions of the world!"
This was when Slytherin secured the House Cup after the Quidditch match. Regulus had rallied his classmates to rehearse it after a Charms Class. The song was simple and didn't take much time.
Singing for their House's victory—this activity was fun and immediately gained the Little Wizards' approval. This was also thanks to Regulus's rallying power; after all, by the end of this semester, he had already become one of the first-year 'popular figures'.
The catchy melody and simple, direct, and inspiring lyrics led more Slytherins to join the chorus, eventually becoming a large choir for Slytherin House. The first-year little snakes brought the song to a climax with their pre-trained high notes, creating their own highlight moment, each one puffing out their chests and raising their heads, exceptionally proud.
Finally, even Professor Slughorn hummed along softly, happily tapping his foot at the teachers' table.
Of course, those who paid attention also noticed that this little boy from the Black Family had clearly become the leader of the first-year Slytherins.
A little Slytherin with Black hair, causing trouble, madly infatuated with pure-blood families—hopes Dumbledore doesn't get Tom Riddle PTSD—no, his Regulus doesn't have the looks...
"On the Slytherin side, I'll find a way to 'unite all forces that can be united,' as a Muggle said."
Sirius, who was truly qualified to give Headmaster Dumbledore PTSD, was contemplating what Regulus had said, a thoughtful expression on his face.
On the platform, Dumbledore also clapped his hands, conducting the final chorus with his wand.
"Ah, music! A moving magic that connects hearts. I believe all of you who have successfully completed another year are champions! That sums up our school year. Thank you all!"
With a wave of his wand, a feast of food appeared on the tables.
Dumbledore's leadership speech style could be summarized as 'I'll just say a few words,' followed by 'Thank you, now eat.' Regulus couldn't help but agree inwardly.
Many Slytherins came over to greet Regulus. Everyone had seen how he had inexplicably put in effort at the end of the year and achieved considerable results. Coupled with his excellent background, many were willing to see him as a rising star in Slytherin.
"Outstanding, excellent, living up to expectations!" Narcissa was very pleased when she learned that Regulus had organized this choir activity, and even hugged him in front of everyone, "From now on, you are the 'sole' representative of the Black Family at Hogwarts. You must uphold our family's honor and become a prefect like Lucius in the future!"
Narcissa, who was in love, couldn't speak three sentences without mentioning Lucius.
Today, Narcissa was wearing a fitted silver robe, graceful and moving, light and beautiful, like a fairy in the woods.
Click! One of Narcissa's friends took out a magical camera and captured the moment.
Ah, so it was the day for the girls to take graduation photos, no wonder, no wonder.
Regulus also went over and smiled at the camera.
...
After the exam results came out, it was suddenly time to go home.
Notices were handed to each student, warning them not to use magic during the holidays.
Upon receiving the notice, Regulus suddenly realized the importance of Little Wizards from Muggle families making friends with Little Wizards from wizarding families—
If Little Wizards from wizarding families use magic, it can't be traced at all. Isn't this clearly only disadvantageous to Little Wizards from Muggle families? So, if Little Wizards from Muggle families want to use magic, they have to go to another Wizard's house.
Like Hermione at The Burrow.
Regulus glanced at Severus—with Lily, it seemed his summer holidays wouldn't be too lonely.
"Hey, little Black." Hagrid, who was responsible for taking them from the boathouse to the train, greeted Regulus.
"Happy holidays, Mr. Hagrid." Amidst the shocked or fearful gazes of the little Slytherins beside him, Regulus responded naturally and gracefully.
On the Hogwarts Express, Regulus and his Slytherin classmates sat in a compartment, the sunlight falling on their table full of snacks. Severus next to him was chewing a Chocolate Frog. He listened to his classmates chatting, occasionally joining in, but most of the time he was looking out the window with his face turned—
Outside the window, the view changed from lush green valleys to refreshing countryside scenery.
Si vis pacem, para bellum!
London, here I come.
First year, finished.