Chapter Text
"Master Regulus," I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, shaking me awake. I really just want to sleep.
"Kreatcher, can i please sleep longer, wake up sirius first."
"I'm afraid Madam Walburga has told me specifically to wake you first. She said if you aren't down in ten minutes she will come wake you herself."
That got me up quickly. "Oh. Yes thank you, tell her I'll be ready in five minutes."
I pulled off my blanket the second Kreatcher left, which is somewhat pointless as he is the one who healed me just last night after Father had one to many drinks.
I have to make a good impression, this is my first day at Hogwarts after all. After some contemplation I decided on something that would hopefully satisfy my parents wishes: my fathers old Slytherin sweater and a pair of dark jeans, complete with the black family ring. I can't let them down. not like Sirius did.
***
She looked angry when I finally made my way to the kitchen. "What took you so long. No good black would dare embarrass their family like this. I ought to punish you."
I knew it was coming, I’d been late. it was his fault. What I didn't expect was for Sirius to take the blame.
"Desolé Maman, it was my fault. I took far too long in the washroom.”
She looked skeptical, but lucky for me, I was always the favorite. She'd take any excuse to hurt Sirius. When this used to happen I'd stay there with him, in solidarity. But since he started hogwarts he didn't want to look weak in front of me, or at least that's what his friend Remus had said when we talked briefly at the start of summer break.
So, wanting to respect what little control he had, I left. I went to find my father, he was more bearable than Mother. At least when he was sober.
“Kreacher, do you know where my father is?” I ask when I can't find him.
“Master Orion is not in a good mood. I advise Master Regulus to not bother him,” he says solemnly. “He's been drinking, I don't want you getting hurt.”
Kreatures have always been too kind to me. I don't know what I would do without him. “Let's go.” He grabs my hand gently and brings me to the fireplace, “Kings cross” he says before the flames erupted green.
***
It was busy and loud. That's what I remember most. There were so many muggles, just living. It didn't feel real. Mother had always taught me how awful muggles are, but here they looked just the same as me. No shut up, I told myself, that is no way a slytherin should be thinking.
“Prongs! Wormtail!” Someone yelled obnoxiously. “Slow down! You know my hips have been bad for a couple weeks.”
Ah. Remus, Sirius’s friend. I'm not totally sure if it's a conscious decision but I find myself walking towards the group of boys.
“Hello, I-” I began to speak when my eyes locked with a tall, lean boy. His hair had slight waves and was a few shades darker than his skin. His deep brown eyes looked like stags and his tie was loose around his neck. His gryffindor tie. Oh my god what am i doing.
“What's wrong, reg?” he asked innocently.
“Don't call me that. I wanted to tell you Sirius might not be arriving at Hogwarts on the train, Mother got quite upset earlier.”
I left before they could say anything else.