Chapter Text
The day that Sirius Black left for Hogwarts, was one of the worst days of Regulus's young life.
This was not due to the fact that Sirius's absence resulted into their parents turning their torment onto Regulus.
No, it was in fact far from this,
Regulus was the definition of a perfect pureblood child.
He did exactly what was asked of him.
He kept out of sight, spending hours alone holed up in the Black family library. Reading books far above a normal eight year old's reading level. He was quiet and reserved, not speaking unless spoken to. Even then his responses were only in regard to what had been asked of him.
He acted and spoke exactly as a respectable member of the great and noble House of Black should.
Regulus was a perfect pureblood child. That was to say, perfect in the eyes of Orion, and Walburga Black.
It was for this exact reason that Sirius's leaving affected Regulus in the way it did.
Sirius, for as long as Regulus could remember. Had been his protector. Though that was often the duty of an older brother. In the Black household, protector held a very different meaning. It was Sirius who took the fall for any mistake that Regulus made. It was Sirius who stood up for Regulus every time their parents demands had been unrealistic. Turning their ire onto himself, riling them up by arguing back. Until their focus was off Regulus and onto himself. It was Sirius who took the brunt of their parents abuse, that they cleverly disguised by calling it punishment for their misbehaviour. (Though Regulus would not realise that Walburga's particular brand of punishment was classed as abuse, till he was much older).
Sirius was Regulus's sole confidant. A companion in the isolating world of pureblood nobility.
Above all this though, Sirius was his only friend.
Aside from Sirius. The only other form of social interaction Regulus had experienced, had come from the pureblood balls. Which though spectacular in their own rights, did not offer much in terms of socialization. Most attendees had been older Wizards and Witches. If there had been children in attendance, it was always those who were soon to be of age. They held no interest in talking to the Black brothers who were years younger than them.
Though Sirius and Regulus had been required to be in attendance. They were expected to be quiet, and not partake in any of the actual events of the evening. Which was fine by Regulus, who disliked wizarding dances with a fierce intensity.
Regulus knew there were other pureblood children his age, however his parents did not believe that pureblood children of a nobility such as the Black's should waste their time socializing with others their age.
It was considered above the Blacks to be seen partaking in any form of leisure or play.
Growing up as a member of the great and noble house of Black was incredibly lonely.
Now with Sirius gone for the better part of a year, at a school that was still two years out of Regulus's reach.
All he had left for companionship were the books of the Black library, well and Kreacher.
Regulus however didn't consider a ageing, immoral, grumpy house-elf much of a companion anyway. No, Regulus was actually very much alone.
Regulus spends the majority of his time after Sirius's departure reading.
The books in the Black library are dry and long. They're full of words that Regulus doesn't understand. At least not yet, but Regulus likes learning. From the moment he learnt how to read he'd had his nose in one book or another. Much to the frustration of Sirius who'd often just wanted to play with his younger brother. "You're such a bookworm Reggie". He'd said once, flopped upside down on one of the many velveteen chaise lounges in the Black Family sitting room. He'd been trying to convince Regulus to sneak out so they could play outside in a nearby park. Regulus had refused, adamant that Walburga would find out. In the end, all it took was a set of puppy-dog eyes, and he had folded. They had both been punished for that particular outing, and Regulus's wrists had stung for the better part of a week.
---
The news of Sirius's sorting comes in the form of a letter, sent via owl over breakfast. Three days after the start of the term. Regulus has just buttered his toast, and had been halfway through spreading orange marmalade over the first of his two slices when the owl had arrived. The letter, attached to the leg of a regal looking Eurasian eagle owl is not from Sirius but from their cousin Narcissa, a 5th year Slytherin.
Regulus watches as his mothers face turns purple with rage, a scowl set fiercely on her lips as she turns to her husband. "That no good blood traitor". Walburga screeches, spittle flying from her lips as she shouts. "That dirty little rotten boy". Regulus watches in silence, though his mother's anger is no joke to him. He wishes to know what exactly has made her furious enough to lose composure. "The Black have always been Slytherins, there has never not been a Black in Slytherin". Walburga has risen from her seat, stalking slowly across the room towards him. Her fists clenched with rage. "Did you know about this"? She asks, voice dangerously sweet. Briefly Regulus fears for his life.
"No Mother". He responds, not moving an inch. With bated breath he prays to Magic that that will be the end of their conversation. "I've yet to receive any form of communication from Sirius". Regulus says honestly, doing his best not to fidget under her piercing glare. It's the truth, and Regulus is slightly disappointed by the fact that Sirius has had yet to reach out to him.
"Very well". Walburga says, with a sniff. As she turns back to Orion, anger still visibly on display. "You may leave now, I have a letter to pen".
Regulus recognises her dismissal, and with a sad look at his half prepared breakfast. Leaves the dining room, eager to retreat to the library. As he heads down the long hallway, he hears the beginning of what can only be a long drawn out argument. Regulus quickens his pace.
The Black family library is Regulus's happy place. Huge bookcases span from the floor to the ceiling, surrounding the
circular room on all sides. The middle of the room houses a series of incredibly comfortable armchairs, though Regulus's favourite seat is a huge green plush lounger pushed up near one of the windows at the back of the library. He'd claimed it as his personal spot, a fact that went undisputed as he was pretty much the only member of the Black family to spend any amount of time in the library.
With a soft sigh, Regulus picked up his current read "Medical Maladies; Curses & Cures by Arvilla Kelpis".
Pausing he turns his attention to a small side table that resides next to his chair. A plate of buttered toast with orange marmalade appears, a steaming cup of Jasmine tea sitting next to it. Mentally giving his thanks to Kreacher. Regulus settles back flicking the book open to the page he'd dog-eared. Regulus prepares to lose himself in a fascinating compendium of magical medical jargon.
---
No one hears from Sirius until his return for the Christmas break.
---
Regulus accompanies his parents to the station, the journey is unpleasant. Side-along apparition is new to Regulus and he quickly discovers that he does not like it. He'd stumbled upon landing, and had earned a quick cuff to the back of the head. Blacks after all, are not affected by the after-affects of apparition. At least not to the public eye.
Feeling queasy and now with the beginning of a headache, Regulus stands as tall as he can. Searching within the sea of students exiting the train for Sirius.
A group of four boys tumble out of the train, scrambling over one another to avoid falling. Regulus watches, a slight sneer on his face at their lack of decorum.
Suddenly from the centre of the group, Sirius appears. His arm is slung round a boy slightly shorter than him. From where he's stood the only details Regulus can make out are what appear to be incredibly messy brown hair, and a horrendous pair of circular glasses. Regulus hates him instantly.
"Oi James, don't miss me too much"! Sirius yells across the crowded station, pretending to swoon dramatically as he clutches his chest. The other boy, James. Half turns as he waves goodbye, a bright smile on his face as he walks towards an elderly pair of wixen.
"The Potter's". Walburga scowls. "No good blood traitors, the lot of them". Regulus straightens, unconsciously smoothing the front of his robes as he shuffles in place. Willing Sirius to come to them faster than he is. The quicker they get home, the quicker the punishment will end.
"Mother". "Father". Sirius greets Orion and Walburga warmly, a bright smile on his face. An act which Regulus knows is done purely to irritate Walburga. It appears to be working, and Regulus sees her fists clench tightly from where she holds them down by the sides of her robe. She meets Sirius's gaze, and nods stiffly in acknowledgment.
"Come Sirius, we are to leave at once". Walburga instructs, her tone leaving no room for pleasantries. She extends her arm, an indication that Sirius should taken it so they can apparate back to the Black Family Manor.
Sirius does not take the offered arm, instead turning to the mouse-y looking, slightly overweight boy that has come over with him.
"Mother, this is Peter Pettigrew". He introduces the boy with a wave of his hand. Regulus recognises the name. The Pettigrew's are a small pureblood family. They lack wealth and nobility, but they are technically pureblood.
Regulus hopes his mother will approve of the boy, for Sirius's sake.
Walburga acknowledges the boy with a small uptick of her head, and that is all. Reaching out she grips Sirius's shoulder, hard. With a slight twist, they disappear into thin air. Regulus reaches out to grab the edge of his father's robe, and with a dizzying twist. They too begin to disappear. The last thing Regulus sees is the concerned face of a boy with messy brown hair, and circular glasses. He knows that that look is not reserved for him, and privately Regulus agrees. He too is concerned for Sirius's welfare.
They land back at the Manor, Regulus's vision swims. His father's hand stops him from falling over entirely. Regulus steadies himself.
Walburga and Sirius are nowhere to be seen, and with a quick nod of his father's head. Regulus is dismissed. Regulus watches his father, as he walks out of the front room, most likely to go join Walburga in her punishment of Sirius. Though he will only watch and never partake. Regulus knows that despite this form of leniency. He will also never interfere.
Regulus retreats to his room, sitting anxiously on his bed. He waits for Sirius, hoping that he will come. Privately, Regulus is excited to hear about what Hogwarts is like. All he knows of the school comes from an old copy of 'Hogwarts: A History by Bathilda Bagshot' that he'd found tucked away on a dusty shelf at the back of the Black Library.
The evening passes slowly, and it is near 8:00pm when Regulus's door creaks open.
"Hey Reggie, miss me much". Sirius enters slowly with a lazy smile on his face. He is holding his arm stiffly, half behind his back, in a poor attempt to hide it from Regulus.
As soon as the door is fully closed, Regulus leaps from the bed.
"Tell me everything". He says excitedly, eyes gleaming. "What did you do"? "What magic did you learn"? "Can you show me?" Regulus asks breathlessly, the words falling from his mouth in quick succession. Sirius laughs.
"Yeah, of course." He answers, a small smile flitting across his face. "I'll tell you everything Reg, just let me sit down first". Sirius eases himself slowly onto Regulus's bed, the dark green comforter sinking into the mattress under his weight.
Regulus frowns, he knows Sirius has been hurt, but not to what extent.
"Kreacher". He calls. With a pop the house-elf appears.
"How can Kreacher help Master Regulus"? The wrinkled elf asks, lips curling into a sneer as he notices Sirius.
"Can you bring me some pain relief potion"? Regulus asks politely, and Kreacher pops away without a word. Returning seconds later with the potion, and a pot of tea. "For Master Regulus only". Kreacher says haughtily
to Sirius despite there being two teacups.
Regulus wordlessly hands the pain relief potion to Sirius, who downs it in one go. His face loses some of the tightness that Regulus knows was caused by whatever it was Walburga did to punish him.
"Okay, now can you tell me everything"? Regulus asks impatiently, reaching over to the pot of tea Kreacher had prepared. Slowly he pours the tea into both cups, knowing that Sirius will not drink his. Regulus inhales softly, the tea is chamomile.
"Alright then, what do you want to know"? Sirius asks, leaning back onto Regulus's bed. Looking completely at ease, despite still being in pain, and ignoring the fact that he hasn't spoken to Regulus in months.
A fact that Regulus is quick to forgive, because Sirius is back now, and Regulus is no longer alone.
Regulus stops to think for a second. He wants to ask a million questions. About Magic, and Hogwarts, and the library.
His thoughts briefly wander to the boy with messy brown hair and circular glasses, who'd looked so concerned when Sirius had disappeared.
"Everything". He says, a bright smile splitting across his face. "Tell me everything".