Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Regulus ran away from home at 12 years old. Well technically he was still inside his house but if he were to leave, which he was, he’d be running away at 12 years. He didn’t know what had even caused him to even think about running away in the first place. Perhaps it was when his brother sent an owl home to his parents stating that he’d been sorted into Gryffindor. Or perhaps it was the constant pressure from his parents; them telling him not to be like Sirius, to be better. Perhaps this was the effect of him trying to be the perfect son at such a young age, yet still being criticized for little things. So yes, Regulus Black was running away.

Regulus gazed at his closet in deep thought. To anyone who came into his room, the closet would appear as a normal closet, even looking inside it. But unbeknownst to anyone, Regulus ordered Kreacher to enchant a section of the closet so that it appeared bigger and so that no one would be able to see it except Regulus. He had never explained to Kreacher why he had asked him to do what he did, not that Kreacher asked him.

He had ordered Kreacher to do this in June, it was now July and it seemed that no one was noticing anything suspicious about his closet. He didn’t know how he’d explain himself if his parents noticed anything about the closet. In the closet, Regulus had two trunks and a bag. In one of the trunks he kept books; books from his first year going to Hogwarts and the books his parents bought for his second year, even though it was July. But it was working well with Regulus’s plans. He also took books from the family library. It was one of his favorite places in the whole house apart from his father’s office. The library had valuable books filled with advanced and powerful spells. Regulus felt that he would need these books, just in case. He took at least over a dozen books, possibly more. His second trunk carried clothes, he had emptied his entire closet and when he had gone shopping with his parents for supplies, he had bought some more clothes. Perhaps it was a bit too much, but he wanted to be prepared for anything.

Regulus felt ready. He had everything packed, he was technically already dressed. He hadn’t forgotten anything, so then what was he waiting for? If he was being honest, Regulus had no idea. Was it his family? No, that was the reason he was leaving in the first place.

He thought about Sirius. Sirius who was probably fast asleep and had no idea what Regulus was planning. What would his brother say when he woke up and Regulus was gone? He probably wouldn’t care, he had new friends now and a new brother. Ever since Regulus had been sorted in Slytherin, he had been treated differently by Sirius, the changes were subtle but Regulus noticed them. Sirius hardly had time for him anymore, he was always with his friends. So he probably wouldn’t care. His parents would care but only because he was their only “good” son. No, nothing can change his mind now. He had to leave now or else he wasn’t sure he’d be able to do it again. But the least he could do was leave a letter.

Regulus got up from his bed and went to his desk where he found parchment and a quill to write. But what could he write? How could he sum up his feelings? He thought about it, nodding to himself when he found what to write.

“I'm Sorry.”

That seemed fitting enough. Done with that, Regulus placed the letter on his bed where he hoped someone would see it. Regulus opened his closet and took out the trunks that were waiting on him. He placed the trunks in front of him. Taking out his wand, he took a deep breath, he had to concentrate for this. The shrinking charm was one of the spells listed in one of his second year books. While he had been reading through the book, he had found it and while he never used any of the spells in the book, he had studied the theories of them.

“Reducio” Regulus incanted, waving his wand in the movement of a V. He wanted to shrink the trunks so that they would be able to fit in his pockets. Regulus watched as the trunks began to shrink then he cut the spell as soon as the trunks reached a reasonable size. He picked up the now miniature sized trunks and placed them in his pockets.

Regulus took one last look around his room. He was going to miss it, the way it made him feel. He would definitely miss his room. Regulus quietly crept out of his room and closed the door. He silently made his way downstairs, as best as he could anyways. Everyone was technically asleep, even the portraits. But he was still cautious. Finally he reached the front door, the door to his new life. His hand hovered over the door knob, almost hesitant.

Gathering his resolve, Regulus opened the door and stepped outside. He let the cool night breeze rush across his face. It felt exhilarating, almost refreshing.

Regulus ran away from home at 12 years old and all that remained was a letter.

______

After he had left the premises of his house, Regulus began to walk. His plan was to go to Diagon Alley and then go to Knockturn Alley to get a new wand. His current wand was registered and if he wanted to go under the radar of the Ministry and from everyone in general, he would need a wand without the trace. So after walking for a few more minutes, Regulus stuck his wand out in the air. He wasn’t exactly sure how this worked but that was how people got the Knight Bus to come to them.

A few seconds went by and then Regulus heard the roar of what he assumed to be the bus, coming from his left. He quickly stepped back as the bus came to a screeching halt in front of him. The doors of the bus swung open and Regulus went inside.

“Good night. I’d like to go to DIagon Alley please.” Regulus said to the driver as he handed over 13 sickles for his ride. The driver looked Regulus over. Regulus was sure he knew what the man was thinking.

“Aren’t you a little too young to be riding this bus? Where’s your parents mate?” The driver said to Regulus, sounding confused.

“Does it matter?” Regulus asked, raising his eyebrows. The man looked him over once more.

“No, I suppose not.” The driver said with a little laugh. Regulus hummed and went to the back of the bus to sit. As soon as he took a seat, the bus took off. He immediately gripped the seat. He felt as if he was about to throw up. Regulus had never apparated before but he had heard about how it felt from his father. Was this how it felt?

Regulus wasn’t sure how long the bus took to get to Diagon Alley, but he felt the bus come to full stop. A beat passed and then Regulus got up to leave. Passing the driver on his way out, Regulus told him his thanks.

Now he was headed for Knockturn Alley. Diagon Alley meanwhile was almost entirely deserted. Only a few shops were open but from what Regulus could see, those shops barely had anyone in them. Regulus picked up his pace, it was best not to get distracted. He wanted to just get his wand and then leave.

Making his way to the entrance of Knockturn Alley, Regulus made his way towards the wand shop. He had only been in Knockturn Alley a few times, he had just happened to notice the wand shop on one of the visits with his parents. Entering the shop, the bell rang above the door. Regulus wasn’t sure if anyone was there, but the door was open so that had to count for something.

“Hello? Is anyone here?” Regulus called out to the empty shop. There was silence, but Regulus could hear footsteps coming from the section of the shop cut off by curtains. Then the curtains parted and Regulus saw an aged looking man, standing in the archway. He looked quite shabby, his hair looked wet, as if he had just stepped out of water.

“Are you the owner of this shop?” Regulus asked the man.

“Yes, I am.” The man answered in a slightly annoyed voice. He came up behind the counter and placed his hands together on the counter in an expectant manner.

Clearing his throat, Regulus went closer to the counter.

“I need a wand. One that doesn’t have the trace if that’s possible. And I need it now too.” Regulus told the man. The man scoffed, raising his eyebrows at Regulus, Regulus just stared back.

“That’s a lot of demands. It’s gonna cost you.” The man said as the rifled around with wand boxes below him.

“How much is it?” Regulus asked as he took out his money. He wasn’t sure if the cost of a wand was the same as Olivanders.

“10 galleons.” The shop owner said as he gazed intently at Regulus. The man had placed 4 boxes on the counter, all likely for Regulus to pick.

“Each box has a wand. Pick one until you find the right one. I’m assuming you know how this works.” The shop owner said in a fairly disinterested voice.

Regulus tried the first wand, he felt nothing from it. He moved on the second wand, as he picked it up, a shelf caught on fire. Eyes widening at this, Regulus tried to put out the fire to no avail. The wand maker waved his wand and the fire immediately went out.

“Sorry.” Regulus sheepishly said to the shop owner.

“It’s no worries. Worse things have happened.” The man said.

Regulus moved on to the third wand and he knew that this was the right wand. It reminded him of the first time he got his wand at Olivanders. It just felt right.

Regulus handed over the 10 galleons. He looked over his new wand with curiosity. It had a different feel from his original wand. It felt right but at the same time different. He supposed he’d get used to it.

“What kind of wand is it?” Regulus asked curiously.

“Elm, dragon heartsrting, nine and a half. A very powerful wand.” The shop owner said. Regulus looked up at the shop owner.

“And you’re sure that it’s untraceable?” Regulus asked. He had to be sure, he didn’t want to make any mistakes.

“Positive.” The man replied curtly. Regulus nodded. That would do.

“Alright thank you for your help sir.” Regulus tipped his head at the man as he left the shop.

Now that he had his new wand, the next thing to do was to find somewhere to stay. He wasn’t sure where he was going to stay but he needed to find somewhere.

Chapter Text

This isn't really an update, I just needed to say this because it kind of felt right to do. I don't think I'm going to continue this story, mostly because I don't see the next step on where to take it after chapter one and even that felt kind of clunky to me but it was fine overall. Plus if I just left the story and didn't really do anything or tried to write something that wouldn't make sense, it would feel awkward. I'm either going to delete the story or abandon it. I just wanted to let you guys know. There are other reasons for my decision but I'm just stating this for now.