chatter could be heard outside of 12 Grimmauld Place where Ivy and Sirius currently stood.

The pair were equally as nervous. Ivy for the fact that she was a Muggleborn that was about to walk into a literal lion's den. Sirius' because of his Pureblood family.

The redhead squeezed his hand, trying to show him some comfort, because as scary as it was for her, she couldn't even imagine how scary it must have been for Sirius.

"Ready?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"As ready as I'll ever be," The redhead muttered back, her heart hammering loudly in her chest she could've sworn Sirius heard it.

It took them a few more minutes before they both finally worked up some courage and began walking up the steps. Sirius took one last deep breath before he pushed the door open, the sound of music and chatter became even louder.

He closed the door behind them before slowly walking through the long hallway.

Ivy had never been at Sirius' house before this (for obvious reasons) and so she couldn't help but stare at almost every portrait that hung in the hallway. The house seemed dark and cold; even with so much company inside, that caused a shiver to run up Ivy's spine.

The pair finally arrived in the large living room where most of the guests were. Ivy was glad about how much noise they were making, since it meant that she and Sirius could sneak in undetected; well, almost undetected.

Regulus Black was standing near the fireplace in the living room, alone. His eyes scanning the people in his home. Most of them seemed familiar; either distant relatives or long friends of the family, yet one person stood out from the rest. Maybe it was the fact that she had the brightest hair. Or maybe the fact that her nude pink, starry dress was the most colourful thing in the entire room. Whatever it was, it made Regulus' heart speed up.

Although, her arm was wrapped tightly around Sirius', Regulus couldn't help but think back to the kiss that they shared up in the Astronomy Tower. Something he hoped she thought about regularly too; and truth be told, she did.

Ivy gulped loudly when the eyes of Walburga Black suddenly snapped to her. She cursed at herself quietly for wearing the pink dress, I should've remembered to wear a black one, shit, shit, shit. It was far too late to change her dress now though, especially with every large stride the woman took in her direction.

"Sirius, your mum," Ivy muttered, tugging the grey eyed boy's sleeve as anxiety bubbled in her stomach.

Sirius squeezed her hand tightly, "It'll be okay. I promise," He told her, as much as he didn't really believe his own words, he didn't want Ivy to worry.

It certainly didn't feel okay when Walburga stopped in front of them. She was glaring at both of them, and if looks could kill, Sirius and Ivy would be seven feet deep by now.

"What did I tell you, Sirius, about bringing a filthy Mudblood here," She spat. Her eyes were practically on fire as she sent daggers towards the redhead.

"Don't call her that," Sirius replied through clenched teeth.

Walburga laughed bitterly, "You do not get to tell me what to do, you ungrateful Blood Traitor," Her voice was getting higher as she spoke, causing a few curious people to glance in their direction.

"Mother, you're making a scene," A familiar voice suddenly said from behind Walburga. Regulus.

Ivy watched as he stood calmly besides his mother. She couldn't help but look at the black suit he had on and how good he looked in it before their eyes met. It was for a mere second yet to both of them it felt much longer. She noticed the small yet discreet smile he sent her before he turned his attention back to his mother.

"You don't want people talking about this, do you?" He asked her.

Walburga looked more than angry but nodded at her son's word; showing Ivy just how much the woman actually cared about what other Purebloods had to say about her.

"You better get rid of that thing, Sirius," She hissed.

Ivy felt uncomfortable, she regretted accepting Sirius' offer to come to the Ball.

"She's not a thing, mother," Regulus hissed, his fist clenching.

"What did you just say?" Walburga asked with a shocked look on her face, "Did you just defend a Mudblood?"

Regulus gulped but didn't reply. He didn't even get the chance to as Sirius opened his mouth, "If she leaves, then I leave. Forever."

Walburga looked back at her eldest son. She showed no other emotions apart from anger, "That's fine by me."

Ivy gulped as she turned to look at Sirius, a saddened look on her face. However, Sirius didn't look sad, truthfully, he looked more relieved, "That's fine by me," He said with a small nod, before finally looking at the redhead, a small comforting smile on his lips, "Come on, let's get out of here."

Ivy nodded, feeling incredibly relieved at the fact that she didn't have to stay at the party any longer. She took once last look at Walburga and Regulus, the latter of who was looking down at the floor with a saddened expression. Ivy sighed softy, wishing more than anything that she could stay there and talk to Regulus, but, that it wasn't the right time or place for that, so she finally turned around and followed Sirius out.