Sleep after meditation was remarkably effective.
When Regulus woke, his mind was clear and alert, his energy abundant. Strength filled his limbs, solid and grounded. Even his breathing felt different, as if magic flowed through him more smoothly with every breath.
The kind of progress he could sense almost constantly was intoxicating.
Regulus knew this was likely an early-stage surge, the result of his body and mind responding to the unprecedented, systematic stimulation of the Star Guided Meditation.
He also understood that this kind of rapid growth would not last forever.
Both body and soul had limits. Once potential was initially unlocked and the foundation reinforced, progress would slow, eventually reaching a stubborn bottleneck.
At that point, moving forward might require a qualitative transformation, or the discovery of a new and even more efficient path.
For now, though, the road had to be walked step by step, and he allowed himself to enjoy this phase of rapid accumulation.
Wednesday afternoon, right after Charms class, Regulus was holding his books and preparing to head to the library when Cuthbert called out to him.
"Regulus," Cuthbert said. His voice held less of its usual casual arrogance. "Can we talk back in the dorm? There's something I need to discuss."
Regulus glanced at him and nodded. "All right."
When they returned to the Slytherin dormitory, Alex and Hermes were both absent.
Cuthbert closed the door. His expression carried a seriousness that did not quite fit his age, mixed with an awkward, distinctly adolescent tension.
He cleared his throat before speaking. "My father… wrote to me last night."
Regulus listened quietly, already having a rough idea where this was going.
Cuthbert paused, as if choosing his words, then seemed to steel himself and blurted everything out in one breath.
"He said the atmosphere in the Ministry of Magic has been very subtle lately. A lot of old families are adjusting their strategies again.
He's heard about how you've been performing at Hogwarts. He specifically mentioned your… interaction with that fifth-year, Travers.
He thinks that with an heir like you, the Black family could play a more important role in the coming changes.
He wants me to stay on good terms with you."
The wording was stiff, but the meaning was clear.
The Avery family, another long-established pure-blood line, had its current Head of House holding an important position within the Ministry of Magic. He was politically sensitive and quick to spot shifts in the wind.
Regulus's strength and potential had spread through various channels, drawing the attention of calculating or far-sighted pure-blood families.
They were reassessing the Black family's value and looking to establish or reinforce ties through the next generation.
Regulus neither confirmed nor denied anything.
After finishing, Cuthbert looked at him, visibly tense.
In truth, Cuthbert had already been convinced by Regulus on a personal level. The gap in strength between them was undeniable.
His family's instruction simply gave him a more legitimate excuse to move closer.
At eleven, he did not understand political investments or family alliances. His thinking was much simpler. Regulus was strong. Sticking with him was the right call, and it was nothing to be ashamed of.
Regulus studied the expression on Cuthbert's face. It was a complicated mix of family duty, genuine respect, and a trace of stubborn pride that refused to bow completely.
No matter how refined pure-blood education was, an eleven-year-old was still a child. Being able to clearly express "I respect you and want to stand with you" was already rare.
After a moment of thought, Regulus spoke.
"Cuthbert, we live in the same dorm and attend the same classes. We're already companions. Wanting to stay on good terms is perfectly fine."
Then his tone grew more serious. "But there are a few things I need to make clear first."
Cuthbert straightened instinctively, as if entering a formal discussion, though he could not quite explain why.
Perhaps it was because Regulus's bearing and manner felt more like the adults back home.
"First, strength is fundamental. Family prestige gives us a starting point, but true pride should be built on power you command yourself, not just on a surname."
That could not have resonated more with Cuthbert. He wanted to prove himself, to earn personal glory beyond his family's shadow.
His gaze fixed on Regulus, bright and intent.
"Second, learn to observe and think. Slytherin has no shortage of clever people, but cleverness is often misused. Try to look further ahead."
The implication was not entirely clear to Cuthbert, but he still nodded firmly.
"Third," Regulus said, looking straight at him, "respect basic boundaries, at least in front of me."
Cuthbert nodded without hesitation. "I understand. I can do that."
He felt that Regulus was not treating him as a mere follower who needed orders. This felt more like an agreement, which put him at ease.
After all, he was a pure-blood heir too.
With the initial understanding reached, Cuthbert relaxed a little. He lowered his voice and nodded toward the tightly drawn curtains around Hermes's bed.
"Regulus, don't you think… Mulciber is a bit strange?
"He's often gone at night, and when he comes back, there's always this weird smell. And during that last duel, he used that kind of…"
Regulus followed his gaze to the dark curtains and replied calmly.
"Cuthbert, everyone has their own secrets. As long as they have not revealed them voluntarily or caused real harm, offering a degree of privacy and respect is basic courtesy."
Then he shifted the focus.
"That said, some level of attention is necessary. His behavior is indeed unusual. It may involve less common areas of magic, possibly even curse-related fields.
He's at Hogwarts for his own reasons. We do not need to dig into them. Limited awareness is enough. Just avoid being dragged into unnecessary trouble."
Cuthbert nodded thoughtfully, though a question lingered in his mind.
Was Mulciber already in serious trouble? He had not seen it that way. He thought Hermes was just a dark magic enthusiast.
Regulus, meanwhile, was thinking of something else entirely.
Hermes Mulciber was gloomy, dangerous, and possessed unconventional dark magic knowledge, with a clear sense of purpose.
Treating someone like that as merely a roommate to be wary of would be a waste.
He could become a capable executor, provided he could be controlled, or at least bound by a stable relationship built on benefits.
Cuthbert could be brought in through displays of insight and superior strength.
Hermes, however, would likely require something more direct. Stronger force, and tangible exchanges of benefits.
In the same dormitory, privacy was fragile in the face of absolute power.
Regulus had no intention of prying into every detail, but he needed to understand Hermes's limits and desires. That way, when the time was right, he could extend an offer of cooperation.
The conversation gradually shifted to Alex Rosier.
Cuthbert curled his lip. "Rosier… he's too soft. Timid, average talent. In our dorm, he feels… out of place."
The disdain was obvious.
Even after Regulus's earlier guidance, Cuthbert's natural arrogance made it hard for him to respect a gentle, slow-moving pure-blood from a marginal branch family.
Regulus understood this adolescent mindset. Direct lecturing would only provoke resistance.
"Cuthbert," he said instead, "if you wanted to accomplish something big that required many people, say maintaining family honor or achieving a goal, would you rather have more people around you, or fewer?"
Cuthbert paused. "More people, obviously."
Regulus continued. "Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Alex may not shine in dueling. But he's careful, patient. His notes for potions and herbology are always the most complete, and his grasp of foundational theory is solid.
And he comes from the Rosier family. Even as a branch, that represents connections, a stance, and potential strength."
Seeing Cuthbert's thoughtful expression, Regulus went on.
"Power takes many forms. Raw combat ability is one. Reliable logistics, accurate information, or even a stance that does not oppose us are also forms of power.
Pushing away people who could become part of your strength, simply because of prejudice, is not a wise choice."
What Regulus showed Cuthbert was a level of pragmatism and resource integration far beyond that of an ordinary eleven-year-old.
Cuthbert did not fully grasp all the layers of meaning, but he could not deny that Regulus made sense.