Chapter Text
Regulus Arcturus Black—the second-born son of Walburga and Orion Black. That was who he was. The Black family had been wealthy and well-known for generations, they were one of the hereditary families tasked with safeguarding a powerful secret bloodline and a mysterious organization dedicated to protecting that secret. Sometimes, he envied his brother for being the firstborn and thus the heir to both the Black legacy and the time-travel gene. Most of the time, however, he was grateful not to bear that burden.
Sirius, his brother, was constantly on the move, trained in strange and secretive practices that Regulus knew nothing about. While Sirius was frequently surrounded by figures from this shadowy organization, Regulus enjoyed more freedom. His parents valued good grades and proper behaviour, of course, but as long as he stayed out of trouble, they took less interest in him.
Just like today. It was Sirius’s eighteenth birthday, and this was supposed to be the day—the final opportunity for his powers to manifest. They’d been waiting every year for the signs, only to be disappointed. This was his last chance. Walburga was visibly anxious; if his powers didn’t appear today, it would be a severe embarrassment for the Black family, and she did not tolerate disgrace from her bloodline.
The grand party was in full swing, and Regulus felt somewhat out of place. All eyes were on Sirius, with the family members giving him their full attention, leaving Regulus overlooked. He scanned the room, bored, with a drink in hand—until someone entered who caught his attention. It was James. James Potter, the other heir of the time-travel gene. He looked as striking as ever, and Regulus mentally scolded himself for thinking so. For two years now, he’d harboured a hopeless crush on his brother’s best friend, but he knew no one would ever approve, so he shook his head slightly and forced a polite smile.
“Hello, James,” he greeted with a slight nod. James raised an eyebrow. “A greeting from the great Regulus Black? I’m honoured.” The younger Black couldn’t help but roll his eyes. As attractive as James was, he was just as infuriating. Turning to walk away, Regulus accidentally collided with one of the servants carrying a tray of glasses, spilling their contents all over James’s suit. His cheeks flushed crimson, and he rushed out of the room, retreating to his own.
Sitting on his bed with his face buried in his hands, Regulus tried to hold back tears. Why did he always have to be such a disappointment? His mother had often reminded him how he fell short compared to Sirius, who everyone adored—not just because he was the heir. Sirius was everything Regulus wasn’t; open-minded, brave, and assertive. Regulus, on the other hand, was insecure, eager to please, and preferred to stay in the background. He had friends, of course, but not nearly as many as Sirius.
Fortunately, friendship was exactly what he needed right now, for a moment later, there was a knock at his door, and Pandora walked in. “Reggie! What’s wrong?” Pandora Rosier, his best friend, was a ray of sunshine. Sometimes, he wondered if she could sense whenever he was down.
“Panda! Thank goodness you’re here. I’ve embarrassed myself so badly,” he sighed, then recounted how he had just spilled drinks on none other than James Potter.