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Chapter Text

June 29, 1971

Regulus wanted it to stop. He really wanted it to stop. He wanted to stop it himself, but he knew he couldn't.

The screams of his brother echoed off the walls of their house, filling and clouding Regulus's mind. They consumed him and he felt so small. All he could do was lay there in his bed, curled up in a ball as he forced himself to fight the sobs that were begging to escape him.

They had gave him a warning over Christmas break. They only gave him a quick curse to attempt to get him in line, but Sirius didn't listen. Why didn't he listen? Why was he so insistent on hanging out with James Potter and all the Gryffindors when he knew their parents would rather see their son dead then with blood traitors. Sirius would be dead right now if he wasn't the heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.

This was all because Sirius had been sorted into Gryffindor. It made Regulus scared. He started Hogwarts next year and he didn't know what he would do if he was sorted into Gryffindor.

He didn't want them to do this to him too.

Chapter Text

1 YEAR LATER....
September 1st, 1972

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus stepped onto the train clutching his trunk in one hand and his owl cage, carrying his owl Castor, in the other. Sirius stepped onto the train after him. He contemplated just leaving and running into a random compartment, but Sirius caught his arm before he could.

"Come sit with me and my friends, Regulus. Please," Sirius begged. He sounded so broken, he had all summer. It was his fault though. If he just would have listened to their parents he wouldn't have been tortured all summer.

"I don't want to sit with you and your stupid Gryffindor friends," Regulus spat without thinking. It was the response he had been trained to say.

Sirius let out a tired sigh and eye roll. "You are a lost cause, Regulus," he said before pushing past Regulus and disappearing into the isle of compartments.

Regulus wandered into a compartment towards the back of the the train and closed the door behind him. He set his owl and trunk on the shelf above the seat before settling into the seat, bringing his knees up to his chest and resting his head against the window.

No one bothered him for the whole ride to Hogwarts and Regulus was completely fine with that. He just sat there watching the scenery outside the window as his mothers warning burned into his mind.

You are the last hope for continuing this families legacy, don't mess it up.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆°°✩

SIRIUS ORION BLACK

Sirius slid open the door to their usual compartment they had sat in the last couple times they had been on the Hogwarts Express to find his four friends chatting eagerly and excitedly amongst themselves. James appeared to be in the middle of one of his elaborate stories, but he stopped when he saw him standing in the entrance to the compartment.

"Sirius!" James exclaimed excitedly, immediately throwing his arms around Sirius and pulling him into a bone crushing hug. Sirius accepted the hug gratefully and buried his face into James's shoulder. James pulled after a couple seconds and immediately surveyed Sirius with a look of concern on his face. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

"Um, well... you know them," Sirius responded awkwardly. He didn't like all his friends looking at him the way they were now, it made him feel too raw and exposed, so he attempted to shift the mood. "But hey! At least I have no physical scars right!" He said, flashing them a half hearted grin.

Remus seemed to pick up on his discomfort because he shifted the conversation away from the topic of his parents. "Well it's very nice to see you again, Sirius. I got a new Bowie record, we can listen to it later if you want."

"Yeah that would be great," Sirius replied, flashing him a quick smile. That was what he loved about Remus Lupin. He knew how to read peoples emotions and knew when to shift conversations. He knew peoples boundaries and didn't cross them and all those things were important to Sirius.

"You guys and your Bowie. You might as well marry him at this point," James teased playfully. "Right, Pete?" He asked, nudging Peter in the arm.

Peter looked up and he looked confused, but he replied either way "Y-yeah, sure." The blonde boy clearly had not been paying attention to what they were talking about and was instead more focused on sorting his candy and he got from the trolly.

"Says the one who is obsessed with Lily Evans," Remus teased back.

James held his hands up in surrender, "Well, you got me there, Moony."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus joined the first years as they filed into the great hall. His nerves were starting to pick up again. He really hoped this went the way he wanted it to or he had no clue what he would do.

He told himself he wouldn't, but he couldn't help it. He let his gaze travel over to the Gryffindor table where the second years were sitting at the end. Instead of seeing Sirius looking at him, he saw James Potter looking at him. Sirius was sitting next to Potter and was currently deep in conversation with a boy with scars all over his face and sandy brown hair. Remus Lupin, Regulus remembered. Sirius had mentioned him over the summer.

When he locked eyes with Potter, the boy gave him a friendly wave which Regulus quickly returned with an eye roll instead of a wave. He crossed his arms and shifted his gaze to Dumbledore who had begun to speak.

Regulus mostly tuned the headmaster out because he wasn't exactly the biggest fan of him and he knew his parents weren't either.
When they started to call names to be sorted, Regulus was one of the first to be sorted.

"Black, Regulus!" McGonagall called out. He felt himself sweat and his hands shake as he stepped onto the platform and sat on the stool in front of everyone.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

James watched as the younger black brother approached the platform. He felt Sirius tense beside him. A selfish part of James hoped Regulus would be sorted into Gryffindor so Sirius wouldn't be crushed, but then he scolded himself for thinking that. Being sorted into Gryffindor would ruin Regulus's life.

James surveyed the younger boys face. For the most part Regulus seemed to be trying to keep his face emotionless, but James didn't miss the way his lower lip quivered and his finger tapped nervously at his thigh. McGonagall placed the hat over his head. James knew the hat was saying something to Regulus in his head, it always did. James tried to understand what it was saying, but Regulus's expression changed so much that it was hard to tell until it finally yelled out its decision. "GRYFFINDOR!" The hat belted out to the whole great hall.

James felt his stomach drop to the floor, and he saw the same thing happen to Regulus. The boy looked around at everyone like he was trying to make sure that everyone had heard the same thing he did. Regulus Black looked horrified as he stood up and walked over to the Gryffindor table. The great hall immediately erupted into chatter. "Another Black in Gryffindor?" "There is no way that little snake is a Gryffindor?" "Did you see the way he looked, he looked pathetic!" "That poor boy, he looked terrified."

James heard Sirius take a sharp intake of breath next to him. James put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right, Sirius?" He asked.

Sirius nodded slowly, but he seemed like he wasn't truly there at the moment. "Yeah, fine."

Well that wasn't how James had thought today would go.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus felt like he was going to throw up. The whispers and fear consumed him whole. All he wanted to do was shut down and cry. He wanted Sirius, he wanted his older brother. No, wanting Sirius was wrong. This didn't have to change anything, right? His parents would understand that. He was still the same old Regulus.

He didn't pay very much attention to Dumbledores speech and he didn't eat. He just sat there at the edge of the Gryffindor table and shut down. When the first year Gryffindors were called to stand up for their tour, he followed the rest of his peers out of the great hall doors. As they made their way up the moving staircases, he let his gaze fall to the first year Slytherins who were headed to the dungeons. That was supposed to be him. Why wasn't that him?

He didn't pay much attention to Molly Prewett as she spoke to them about basic Hogwarts rules, how to dorms worked, curfew, etc. He only started to pay attention when she started to list off the names on who was in what dorm. He knew she must have listed off his other door mates names before him, but he hadn't payed very much attention. When he heard his name called he followed the other three boys up the stairs and took the bed closest to the door when he entered his dorm.

What was he going to do now? It wasn't supposed to happen like this.

Chapter Text

September 2, 1972 (Saturday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus had cried himself to sleep like a little girl. It was pathetic, but he couldn't help it. He had made sure to cast a silencing charm he had seen his parents cast many times so that his roommates wouldn't share those same thoughts.

It was morning now and they were all unpacking their trunks. Regulus could feel all their eyes on him, he didn't even have to turn around to know they were all staring at him. He hated it. He had always hated the spotlight, it was Sirius who thrived on it, not him. He didn't understand how he was a Gryffindor. The hat had made a mistake, he was sure of it. "I can feel you all staring at me," Regulus muttered as he folded his school uniform. His Gryffindor uniform.

One of the boys spoke and Regulus turned around. "Yeah, I'm sort of confused about that. Why are we even staring at him? Why did the great hall break out into whispers when he was sorted," the boy spoke. He had curly, light brown haired, a freckled and sun kissed face, and blue eyes. He was very clearly a muggle born by his mannerisms and clothes.

Another boy on the bed next to Regulus spoke up. He had blonde hair, freckles, and green eyes. "I believe it's because he is a Black. From my understanding, the Blacks have always been Slytherins. Well, until his brother was sorted into Gryffindor last year. His name is Sirius, right?" The boy asked curiously. Regulus gave him a quick nod. "But, once again I could be wrong on why we are staring at him. I grew up mostly in the muggle world so I'm not that familiar with the wizarding world."

Great, so none of his roommates even knew why they were staring at him because they were muggle born and half-blood. Like that was going to make his parents feel better about this whole thing. He let out a tired and irritated sigh. "Are seriously none of you purebloods."

"I am," a boy on the bed across the room from Regulus spoke. He had dark brown, curly, and fluffy hair and tan skin with big brown eyes. Regulus didn't recognize him which was weird because he knew most pureblood families, but he supposed he wasn't all too familiar with Gryffindor ones. "Hezekiah Fawley," the boy introduced himself. Fawley. Of course Regulus knew the Fawleys, they were apart of the Sacred 28, but Regulus had never seen this boy before.

"Well I suppose one pureblood roommate is better than none," Regulus stated before turning back to his trunk.

But deep down he knew it wouldn't be enough to satisfy his parents.

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

Regulus made his way down to the great hall for lunch a couple hours later. No one had really went to breakfast this morning because they had either been too busy trying to find their classes so they were ready for their classes on Monday, they slept in, or they were unpacking. His roommates left shortly before him and he followed them after a couple minutes.

He sat down next to them at the Gryffindor table because he didn't know where else to sit and truthfully he wanted to be as far away from his brother and his friends as he possibly could. The owls soon arrived with their mail and when he recognized the owl flying towards him and what it was holding, his heart sank. A howler.

As soon as it was dropped on the table, it erupted into yelling and the hall fell silent, "REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK, YOU-."

Before the howler you continue, Hezekiah, who was sitting next to him, pulled out a wand and cast a spell onto it, "Incendio!" He cast with a wave of his wand. The howler erupted into flames until it was just a pile of ash on the table. The students all quickly went back to what they were doing, suddenly no longer interested in him.

Regulus turned to the boy next to him with a shocked look. "How did you know how to do that?!"

"I've watched my parents cast it a couple times. I thought you could use it right now," Hezekiah replied with a smile.

"Yeah um... thanks, I really appreciate it," Regulus thanked, returning his smile. An unfamiliar warmthness filled his body. Maybe making one friend wouldn't be so bad. I mean Hezekiah's family was a part of the sacred 28 after all.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

September 4, 1972 (Monday)

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

"I just don't get why he is ignoring me, James!" Sirius said, finishing his two minute rant about his newly-sorted little brother. "I don't know what I did wrong..."

James frowned and placed his hand on Sirius's shoulder reassuring. "Hey, you didn't do anything wrong, okay? He is just being a brat right now. Give him time. He's probably absolutely terrified of your parents right now. I mean you heard the howler he received on Saturday."

Sirius let out a frustrated sigh and buried his face in his hands. "I know that he is terrified, James, and that's why I'm mad! Because I went through the same thing last year and he won't even let me help him. For godrics sake, he won't even look in my direction!" Sirius complained, his voice coming out muffled from his hands.

James shook his head in disbelief, having no absolute clue what to do in this situation. He have Remus a pleading look for help, but he just got a don't get me involved in this, I don't know how to help him either look from the boy. James let out an exhausted sigh before speaking. "Look, I'm sure he will come around eventually. I can talk to him tomorrow or tonight if you want."

"Little brothers suck," Sirius complained dramatically.

James never got a definitive answer on his offer, but he decided to talk to the younger black anyway.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

September 5, 1972 (Tuesday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Did Regulus feel slightly bad about ignoring Sirius? Yes, but his parents were already furious at him and he really did not need to associate himself with Sirius on top of that. He really preferred to not have the cruciatus curse used on him all Christmas break.

His first day of classes yesterday all went well. He had started to speak with Hezekiah because he was a member of the sacred 28 after all and Regulus just thought he was kind of cool and nice. There was just something about him that made Regulus really want to be his friend.

He was currently leaving potions, his last class of the day, with Hezekiah who was complaining about the class. "I can't believe Slughorn is already giving us homework! It's the second day of school. We haven't even learned anything yet!"

Regulus nodded, half listening. "Yeah, it seems easy enough though."

"Hey, at least he isn't the head of our house," Hezekiah joked, flashing Regulus a smile and elbowing him playfully in the ribs.

I wish he was, Regulus thought, but he decided not to point that out. "Suppose so," he replied with a shrug.

After that they fell into a period of silence, a period of silence that was quickly interrupted by something yelling his name, "Well if isn't, Regulus Arcturus Black!"

They both stopped dead in their tracks and turned around to find the source of the voice. When he saw the voice belonged to a certain blonde haired 7th year girl, he broke out into a grin. "Cissy!" He exclaimed as he ran towards her and threw his arms around her, burying his head into her torso.

Narcissa hugged him back for a moment before pulling away and surveying him with a pitying look. "You poor thing. Gryffindor. It really is a shame you got sorted into that stupid house, you would have looked so handsome in a green tie," Narcissa said as she poked and pulled at his maroon, Gryffindor tie, trying to straighten it out.

"It truly is," Regulus acknowledged.

Narcissa seemed to realize Regulus was not alone. She turned ti Hezekiah and spoke, "And who may you be?"

"Hezekiah Fawley," Hezekiah answered, holding a friendly hand out to the Slytherin. She reluctantly shook it his hand.

"Fawley," she noted before turning back to Regulus. "It's nice to see you haven't got yourself tangled in the wrong crowd. Your parents will be pleased with your acquaintance, cousin."

"I'm counting on it," Regulus replied. Hezekiah gave him a strange look that he couldn't quite read. Was he offended? Regulus decided to shrug it off because it was probably nothing.

"Well, I must be going now, Lucius will be waiting for me," Narcissa said. There was times Regulus doubted if she truly loved Lucius, but it was time like this when she said his name with so much love and respect, that he got his answer.

"Of course, it was nice to see you, Cissy."

"It was nice to see you too, Reggie. Behave." She said the last part in a motherly tone and she gave him a quick kiss on the forehead before spinning on her heal and walking towards the Slytherin common room.

Hezekiah let out a breath of air, "Well, she's scary."

Regulus let out a little laugh before flashing him a quick smile. "You clearly have not met my cousin Bellatrix."

Hezekiah shrugged. "To be fair, I probably have at some Sacred 28 party, I just forgot."

"That's probably for the best."

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

When they reached the Gryffindor common room, Regulus told the fat lady the password and they slipped in through the portrait. The common room was empty besides of course James Potter.

The second year boy was just laying on the couch. He appeared to be waiting for someone. Regulus realized too late to make a run for it that, that person, was in fact him. "Hey, baby black, can I talk to you for a second. Alone."

Hezekiah turned to him and Regulus waved him off to the dorms with a sigh. "You ahead, I'll be up there soon. You have five minutes, Potter."

As Hezekiah walked up the steps to the dorms, Regulus spoke again. "What do you want, Potter?" Regulus asked coldly.

James held his hands up in surrender. "Jeez, no need to be rude, I just wanted to make sure you were okay after...."

Regulus sent a harsh glare James's way and he held his hands up in surrender once again. "And please don't tell me your are not here to talk to me about my bloody brother."

James brought an awkward hand to the back of his neck. "Well.... Um...."

Regulus just rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this," he said as he started to climb the steps to his dorm.

"Come on, Black! Please wait! I just want to help! I thought I had five minutes!" James yelled after him, but Regulus ignored him and continued up the steps.

Chapter Text

December 21, 1972 (Thursday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Nothing had really happened since school started. September, October, and November all flew by. The only real change over the last three months, was that Regulus had grown closer to Hezekiah and he would even go as far as to call him his friend now. He was still avoiding Sirius like the plague. James had made many pathetic attempts to speak to Regulus (all failed). Regulus also hadn't gave much thought to his other roommates. They didn't bother him and Regulus didn't bother them.

They were all currently packing up their trunks for winter break. Hezekiah was the first to finish and he walked over to where Regulus was standing. "Are you alright? I know you're nervous about going home and facing your parents," Hezekiah asked him sympathetically.

Of course Regulus was nervous. It was all he had been thinking about and dreading for the last three months. He really didn't want them to hurt him and he knew his parents would. He probably deserved it. He was sorted into Gryffindor after all. "Yeah, just a little though," Regulus lied. Hezekiah just nodded and Regulus decided to add onto his answer. "But, being friends with you will certainly help. They will be pleased."

Hezekiah inched closer to him and spoke in a quiet voice, clearly not wanting their other dorm mates to eavesdrop on their conversation, "Is that truly the only reason you have been friends with me for the last three months, Regulus?"

Regulus just shrugged. "It's certainly a contributing factor of it."

Hezekiah gave him that same hurt look he always did when this topic came up. "Alright, I guess I was just wondering."

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆°°✩

December 22, 1972 (Friday)

SIRIUS ORION BLACK

"I just can't believe he is still ignoring me. It's been three bloody months!" Sirius exclaimed in disbelief from the Gryffindor table.

"Well he can't ignore you for much longer now. You are going to be living in the same house as him for the next two weeks," James pointed out.

"Oh you would be surprised at how good he is at ignoring me in that stupid house. He didn't talk to me all last summer." None of them understand Regulus like he did. Regulus was too stubborn and would rather hold a grudge for the rest of his life then forgive someone. That was exactly what he was doing right now.

"Yes, maybe, but things have changed now, Sirius," Remus offered, deciding to help out James. "Before he was mad because you got sorted into Gryffindor and now he is a Gryffindor."

Remus had a valid point, but Sirius wasn't about to lose this argument. "But, that just gives him more of a reason to hate me! He probably blames me."

"He has no reason to blame you. You had no control on what house he was going to be sorted into!" James argued back. He turned to Peter, "Right, Pete?"

"Uh huh," Peter replied half heartedly, seeming much more interested in devouring his breakfast than listening to this conversation.

"See!" James exclaimed, gesturing towards Peter. "Being a Gryffindor isn't a bloody disease, Sirius. You didn't 'pass it onto him'."

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Well, I know that! But who knows what my parents having been telling him. He could very well believe that."

"It's going to be fine, he'll stop being a brat eventually," Remus reassured.

Sirius reluctantly nodded, admitting his defeat in this argument. James broke out into a grin, "Wow, Sirius Black is backing down from a fight?! This is unheard of!" James teased.

Sirius rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh don't flatter yourself and your ego, Remus was the one who convinced me."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus and Hezekiah decided to sit in a compartment towards the middle of the train. The train ride was quite awkward after their moment in the dorm room last night. Regulus felt bad, but he also didn't want to lie to his only friend about the reason he was friends with him. "I'm sorry if I hurt you earlier," Regulus apologized towards the end of the train ride, breaking the awkward silence.

"It's fine," Hezekiah muttered, but his tone made it seem like it wasn't fine. Had Regulus already ruined his only friendship?

After that they talked, well Hezekiah talked more so, about random things for the rest of the train, but things still seemed a little off. Regulus tried to listen to the boy, but his head was in other places at the moment. The fear of going home was only increasing every minute.

When the train came to a halt at Platform 9 3/4, the two boys grabbed their owls and trunks and made their way out of the train. Regulus found Sirius waiting for him outside the train, his group of friends already gone. Hezekiah turned to Regulus, "Please write to me when you get home. You know, if you need to escape, you can come to my house. I'm sure your parents wouldn't mind. Just talk to them," Hezekiah offered.

Regulus nodded. "Alright, I will," Regulus lied. He really wished he could go to the Fawley's, but he had a feeling he would be grounded to the house all break.

They said their goodbyes and Hezekiah walked off to find his family. Sirius seemed to spot something over Regulus's shoulder. "And there's our wonderful parents," Sirius pointed out. Regulus turned to look where he was looking and well, his parents didn't look very pleased. "Are you so excited to find out what fun curses they will throw at us this break, Reggie?"

Regulus rolled his eyes, "Oh, shut up, Sirius and don't called me that."

"I think that's the first thing you've said to me in three months, but let's not keep our darling parents waiting."

With that, the two Blacks walked towards their parents. Once they were in reach their parents grabbed them and they apparated to Grimmauld Place. Regulus's head spun. He hadn't even had time to prepare for the apparition. He doubled over and threw up all over the floor. Great, Regulus. Great. Just piss off your parents even more, will you?

"I will deal with you tomorrow, me and your father have important business today," Walburga stated coldly, pointing a finger at Regulus. "Clean this mess up, Kreacher."

"Yes, Master Walburga," Kreacher replied.

His parents apparated out the house to who knows where. Regulus immediately made his way up the steps. "Come on Regulus you can't ignore me all break!" Sirius yelled after him.

"Watch me."

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

December 23, 1972 (Saturday)

The next morning, Regulus was awoken by Kreacher. "Master Walburga has sent Kreacher to retrieve Master Regulus for breakfast," the house elf said. Regulus was pretty much sure that in this situation breakfast could be translated to where we torture you because you got sorted into Gryffindor like your pathetic brother, but hey, maybe they weren't that mad.

When Regulus joined them downstairs he quickly learned that they were, in fact, that mad. They weren't even sitting at the table, only Sirius was. So much for breakfast.

Walburga was the first to speak, "Regulus would you like to catch us up on your status at Hogwarts and more importantly what house you are in," she stated in her usual cold tone.

"You know what house I was sorted into," Regulus replied without thinking. She gave him a warning look and he answered the question. "Gryffindor."

"Both of you come here," Walburga demanded coldly, addressing both her sons. Regulus stepped forward so he was in front of his mother and Sirius reluctantly did the same. She put her hands on both their shoulders and then dug her nails into their shoulders. Sirius seemed unfazed, but Regulus made a face of pain and he had to fight the cry of pain that was threatening to come out of his mouth. "You are both disgraces to The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. I have heard about your alliance with the Fawley's son and that I am proud of, but I'm afraid it is not enough." Regulus knew it wouldn't be, but some part of him had still been holding on to that false hope. "Sirius go stand by your father."

"Wha- no, what are you going to d-." Sirius protested, but he was shut up when their mother pulled out her wand and sent some curse at him. It hit his arm and he gave a cry of pain. Blood trickled down his arm from the new wound and he gave one last look at Regulus before going to stand by their father.

Regulus knew it was coming and he still wasn't prepared for it. His knees instantly buckled and then the agony of the curse washed over him and he started to scream and cry. It felt like his blood was boiling hot as someone repeatedly stabbed him with a knife. His mother had never used the cruciatus curse on Regulus, she only used it on Sirius. She had always used other ones on him. He looked desperately at Sirius as tears streamed down his face only to see that Sirius was crying too.

Regulus didn't know how long the curse was on him, it felt like an eternity, but all he knew is that by the end he was just laying their on the ground. He wasn't crying or screaming he was just... laying there. "That should teach you a lesson. You two are dismissed now. Sirius help your brother up the steps."

Their parents left the room and Sirius immediately joined Regulus on the floor. He held his little brothers face in hands. "Oh, Reggie,  I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."

Regulus didn't deny that statement, but also didn't say it was true. "I'm fine, I just really want to go to bed," Regulus said. His voice came out very hoarse. His throat was sore from screaming.

"For godrics sake, Regulus, let me fucking help you!" Sirius yelled. "I don't mean to swear and yell, I've clearly been spending too much time with Remus, but you were under the cruciatus curse for ten fucking minutes so stop being a spoiled little brat and let me help you! Please don't shut me out, we're going through the same thing."

With that last part, Regulus hit his breaking point. "We are not going through the same thing at all! You have had your friends the whole time, I don't have anyone! I made one friend, but now I'm pretty sure I messed that up now too! So don't sit here and say we are going through the same thing because we aren't!"

"That's because you won't let me help you! You refuse to talk to me or any of my friends. You have ignored all your dorm mates besides the Fawley kid! You not having anyone is entirely your fault!"

"That's because I don't want this to become a part of my daily routine at home! I'm not like you Sirius, I'm not brave. I'm not a Gryffindor. I shouldn't be in Gryffindor. The hat made a mistake. I'm a coward and everyone knows it." Great, now he was crying again. Absolutely fantastic.

Sirius's expression shifted from anger and frustration to sad and pitying. "Don't say that, Regulus. You are not a coward. The hat doesn't make mistakes. You just have to stand up for yourself and not put up with this bullshit."

Regulus shook his head sadly. "And what good would that do me, Sirius?"

Sirius fell silent for a moment. "Please just let me help you. That's all I want to do, Reggie, because you are my little brother."

Regulus wiped away his childish tears and stood up. He had pretty much regained his strength. "Well I don't need your help! I'm perfectly fine on my own!" Regulus declared as he stormed up the steps. Sirius didn't follow him.

Chapter Text

June 25, 1973 (Monday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus had a very uneventful first year at Hogwarts and quite a lonely one also. The only person he ever talked to was Hezekiah who he had grown very close with in one year. He always knew how to cheer Regulus up when he was down and he didn't push him to open up like Sirius did. If Sirius was going to find a new brother to replace him then Regulus could find someone to replace him too.

Today was Regulus's 12th birthday and it was also three days before the end of the school year. He was awoken in the morning by a pillow colliding with his face. He didn't even need to look at who it was to know who it was. "Piss off, Fawley."

Hezekiah hit him in the face again with the pillow. "Come on don't be lazy, it's your birthday!"

Regulus gave him a deadpan look. "Wow, thanks Hez for that piece of information I totally didn't kn-." He was cut off by Hezekiah grabbing his leg and dragging him onto the floor beside his bed. He fell on the floor with a thud. "Ow! What the hell, Hez!"

Hezekiah smirked, clearly proud of himself. "Come on, we have to get to breakfast you idiot."

After about fifteen minutes, and a lot of effort on Hezekiah's side, the two first year boys made their way down to the common room. When they made their way down the steps Regulus was thrilled to find his brother and his goon squad in the common room. As they passed by, Sirius just shot him a glare. Regulus didn't know what he had expected Sirius to do, but it wasn't that.

Much to Regulus's surprise, it was James Potter who spoke. "Happy 12th birthday, Black."

Regulus gave a strange look before muttering a thank you under his breath and walking out the portrait.

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

Nothing else had really happened that day, leaving for a pretty uneventful birthday. His dorm mates had said happy birthday to him at breakfast and a few other Gryffindor students in his year had also told him happy birthday. At dinner, Narcissa had made a pretty clear act of embarrassing him in front of the entire Gryffindor table.

Their finals that day were hardly bad too. Regulus was confident that he did well on them all. Hezekiah, on the other hand, was the exact opposites. "I failed them all! I just know it, Reg. My parents are going to kill me," Hezekiah complained.

"Welcome to the club," he joked. "Except my parents can't kill me because at this point I'm the heir to the noble and most ancient house of black." Regulus said the last in a dramatic and fancy tone. Hezekiah let out a little laugh at that.

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

June 29, 1973 (Friday)

Their dorm room was in chaos as everyone tried to pack their trunks and get ready. Regulus, being over the top per usual (as Hez would say) had already packed his trunks so he was just laying on Hezekiah's bed. "You know, at times, being a perfectionist and stressing about everything has its perks. Cause look, I'm not stressing to eat, pack my trunk, and get ready before the train leaves in two hours."

"Piss off, Black," the boy at the foot of the bed muttered before making a dramatic act of shutting his trunk. "And actually I'm finished packing."

Regulus rolled his eyes playfully. "Then can we please go to breakfast now."

"No one was stopping you from going, you know."

"Sorry I was trying to be a good friend," he joked playfully. "Don't worry, I won't do it again."

Hezekiah gave him a skeptical look. "Good. You better not," he joked back.

"I pinky promise that I won't."

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

Two hours later they were on the train back home. "I can't believe the school year is already over," Regulus said as he stared out the window of the Hogwarts Express.

"Yeah, it doesn't seem like it is," Hezekiah agreed.

The trolly stopped at their compartment and they both got loads of different candy. The rest of their ride back to London they chatted and ate their candy. Hezekiah got some that made you make different animal noises when you ate them and they had a lot of fun with those. They took turns eating them and laughing at each other. By the end of the box, Hezekiah was in tears from laughing too hard. Regulus knew it probably wasn't actually that funny, but in the moment it was.

When they arrived at the station they reluctantly got off the train. "You know, I'm going to miss your daily sarcasm all summer," Hezekiah stated.

"Hey, maybe I can convince my mother to let me come over. I know my father would, but my mother is a different story," Regulus offered.

Hez gave him a quick smile. "I would like that. It would be nice to have someone to talk to over the summer."

"Yeah, I'm stuck with my stupid brother all summer. It would be nice to escape it all once and awhile. I'll owl you every week too. I need to complain about Sirius to someone or I will probably end up murdering him."

"Ezkiah!" A little girl yelled running towards Hezekiah. He picked her up and spun her around and the little girl erupted into a fit of giggles. With the way she pronounced Hezekiah's name, he guessed it was too complicated for her to say.

"Reg, this is my little sister, Mirabelle," Hezekiah introduced. Regulus figured that made sense. They looked very similar. They had the same curly dark brown hair except Mirabelle's was longer and fell just to her shoulders. Their eyes also looked identical.

Regulus noticed Hezekiah looked over his shoulder, clearly looking at his parents who were waiting impatiently for their son and daughter to come back over to them so they could leave. "You should probably get going. I don't want to keep my parents waiting either," he suggested.

Hez nodded and he set his sister down on the ground before pulling Regulus into a hug. It was a big awkward at first because Regulus didn't necessarily like to be touched by other people, but he caved into the hug eventually. "Please stay safe, Reg. Don't do anything to piss them off."

Regulus flashed him a half-hearted smile. "I wasn't planning on it."

With that Hezekiah walked back to his family and Regulus walked to his.

This should be a fun summer.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

"Are you sure you are going to be okay being in that house all summer? I don't want you to get hurt, Sirius."

James and Sirius were standing on platform 9 3/4, their other friends had already abandoned them. James had a comforting hand on his friends arm as he tried to convince him to come home with him instead. He wanted Regulus to come too, but he knew that just wasn't possible.

"I'll be fine, James. I have to stay with Reggie even if he doesn't want me there and is being a total brat. I'm still his older brother and he has no one else to protect him there. Plus, my parents would just come and get me from your house anyway," Sirius reassured him.

James frowned. He hated how Sirius always convinced himself that he had to protect Regulus 24/7, but then again, if James himself had a little brother, he would probably do the same. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure, James."

Chapter Text

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

James had in fact seen Sirius over the summer. Sirius had managed to sneak out one day in August when their parents went to on a trip somewhere (James didn't care to ask). Sirius had wanted Regulus to come with, but Regulus had refused to come because according to Sirius "he didn't want to go to stupid Potters house."

Apparently Regulus had let down some of his walls around Sirius, but Sirius had mentioned that he still thought Regulus was too scared to show he was talking to Sirius again around their parents. Sirius seemed optimistic that Regulus would be more friendly with him at Hogwarts. James found that somewhat hard to believe.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus weaved his way through the crowed platform trying to to find his friend. When he finally spotted his friends mess of brown hair and Hez spotted him, Hezekiah tackled him into a hug. "Reg!" He exclaimed.

Regulus couldn't help the small smile that appeared on his face as he hugged his friend back. He felt like he hadn't seen him in forever. "Hey, Hez," he replied.

Sirius and none other than James Potter approached them as they pulled away from each other. Sirius grabbed his arm and started pulling him onto the train. "Come on you are sitting with me and James, Reginald."

Regulus tried helplessly to push him away. "Let go you prick! Isn't your compartment full anyway!"

James answered that for him, "Nope. It's Peter's sisters last year here so he wants to sit with her and her friends. Remus is sitting alone because he wants to sleep in quiet."

"Why? Why can't he just sleep tonight or in your compartment. He is probably used to it by now, he shares a dorm with you idiots!" Regulus pointed out.

James and Sirius shared a look. So they were clearly hiding something. "The point is, there is two open spots so you and Fawley are sitting with us whether you like it so just shut up and follow us," Sirius ordered.

"Okay, mum," Regulus sneered, sticking his tongue out at his brother. Sirius returned the gesture.

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

That was how Regulus ended up in a train compartment with Potter, his brother, and Hez for 9 bloody hours. James kept on throwing his stupid snitch in the air. "So are you two going to try out for the Quidditch team this year? Sirius tells me you are quite the seeker, Black," James asked.

"I am," Regulus said pointedly. "And yes, we are. Hez wants to be a chaser."

James turned to Hezekiah. "Are you good?"

Hezekiah shrugged. "Reg says so. My parents think so too. I guess I'm okay, I doubt I'll get a spot."

"Well all my chaser mates were pricks last year. I'd love to have a fellow chaser who isn't. Luckily, our two chasers and seeker graduated so those spots are open for you two."

"That's good I suppose."

James nodded before nudging Sirius on the shoulder playfully. "Nervous someone will steal you beater position, Pads?" He teased.

"Oh please," Sirius said with a eye roll. "No bloody second years are gonna steal my place as beater. Trust me, James."

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

"Do we really get the same dorm every year," Aidan complained out to his dorm mates. Dinner had just concluded and Regulus and his dorm mates were settling into their dorm.

"Apparently so. I knew our room mates stayed the same, but I thought our room would change," Kian said with a shrug.

Regulus was going to reply harshly to their cluelessness, but Hez shot him a look that advised otherwise. He settled for a eye roll instead. "The first years just take the previous seventh years dorms every year," he explained.

Aidan nodded at him, his eyes curious and confused. He seemed surprised that Regulus had even spoken to him at all, which, was entirely fair. Regulus hadn't exactly been that kind to him last year.

"Are you two trying out for Quidditch?" Hez asked their two room mates. "I'm going for chaser. Reg is going for seeker."

"I'd prefer to live to my seventh year, so, I'll pass on that," Kian answered, looking at them like they were crazy.

"I'm going for beater! I'm so excited! Quidditch is way cooler than muggle sports!" Aidan answered excitedly.

Kian let out a sigh, still looking at the three of them like they were insane. "More like more dangerous."

Aidan flashed him a big grin. "That's what makes it more fun."

The blonde boy just shook his head in disbelief. "You are mental, Barron. Absolutely mental."

"At least I'm not boring like you."

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆°°✩

SIRIUS ORION BLACK

"Well Regulus seems nicer this year," Remus mused from his bed. They were all unpacking their trunks.

James let out a little laugh from the foot of his bed, "I wouldn't exactly call it nice. He glared at me like he was going to kill me the entire train ride."

"Yeah, because you guys practically kidnapped him," Remus pointed out simultaneously letting out a little yawn. The full moon the previous night had clearly took a toll on him. He also had a new scar across his face.

"Get some sleep, Moony. I promise we will be quiet," Sirius said sympathetically. "I can walk you down to Pomfrey if you want. Are your hurt bad anywhere?"

Remus gave him a dismissive wave, "I'm fine, Sirius." When Remus noticed his unconvinced look, he spoke again. "I promise."

That was the thing about Remus Lupin. He would never admit something was wrong. Sirius was determined to get him more comfortable and open around them.

Chapter Text

September 29, 1973

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

The school year so far had been good. Regulus was top of his classes and he had his best friend, Hezekiah. So far, it was much better than his first year.

Today was Quidditch tryouts. Him, Hez, and Aidan were all walking to the Quidditch tryouts. As they drew closer, Regulus saw the Quidditch team in their maroon Quidditch robes bustling around happily. He could just make out his brother and James play wrestling amongst the crowd. He spotted Frank Longbottom, their Quidditch captain, getting the names of the students trying out as they arrived.

When they arrived at the entrance, Frank spoke. "Names and Quidditch positions?" He asked, not looking up from his sheet of parchment.

"Hezekiah Fawley. Chaser," Hez spoke first.

"Aidan Barron. Beater."

"Regulus Black. Seeker."

At the name, Frank looked up and a smile appeared on his face. He thrust out a hand to Regulus. "Nice to meet you, Black. I've heard a lot about you. I've also heard you are quite good, I hope you won't disappoint me."

Regulus reluctantly shook the fifth year's hand. "I won't," He replied dryly.

"Not as friendly as your brother are you?"

"Well, I'm not my brother so I suppose," he snapped.

Frank held his hands up in surrender before jotting down their names. "Good luck to you all."

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

Regulus was sitting with his back against the lockers. On the other side of the lockers some of the other students trying out were hanging out. "Are you worried about a certain Black stealing your quidditch spot, Killian?"

Killian Flint, who Regulus knew all too well from Sacred 28 party's, let out a scoff. "Me? Scared of Black? Yeah right, that little coward and traitor couldn't beat me if he tried."

"Be quiet, Killian! You do realize he's on the other side of those lockers right?" A girls voice scolded.

"So what, Wood! That little cowardly traitor deserves to hear everything I'm about say! I mean imagine betraying your family when they are one of the most powerful in the wizarding world. I mean no wonder his brother doesn't talk to him anymore." Regulus hated how much those words stung. A tear rolled down his cheek and he could feel the rest threatening to spill out of his eyes. "I certainly wouldn't. He deserves all those stupid curses his parents throw at him, he asked for it. And do you guys want to know a funny story th-"

"Shut up!" Regulus yelled, tears now streaming down his face. Why was he this sensitive? It was pathetic. He hated how Killian knew exactly what to say to upset him. He was trying to get in Regulus's head and it was working.

Killian and his crowd of friends walked over to him. When they saw him, many of them burst out laughing along with Killian. "Of course you are crying, Black. You are such a fucking sissy."

"Have you got what you wanted, Flint? To embarrass me in front of your stupid friends?!" Regulus spat.

A satisfied smirk appeared on Killians face. "I actually have. I think we both know you don't have the guts to try out now." He walked in front of him and got close to his face. "Because at the end of the day, we all know you are just a pathetic little coward." Killian gave him a little shove on the shoulder before him and his friends exited the locker room.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

"Where the fuck is he?!" Sirius exclaimed.

"The last I checked he was in the locker room," Frank explained with a tired sigh. James surveyed the crowd again to make sure Regulus wasn't just hiding somewhere.

"Did something happen? Is he hurt?" Hezekiah asked with a worried look on his face. "This isn't like him, he wouldn't just skip tryouts like this."

James took one look at Killian Flint and his group of asshole friends and he knew exactly what had happened. "I'll be back," he said through gritted teeth as he made his way to the locker room.

When he entered the locker room he found Regulus exactly how he thought he would, crying on a bench. When Regulus spotted him he wiped his tears away and rested his head against the lockers, looking up at the ceiling. "Piss off, Potter."

James ignored his request and sat down next to him instead. "Fawley is stressing over where you are. Frank sent me in here to check on you. So, what happened?"

Regulus sent him a harsh glare. "It's none of your business, Potter."

James let out a tired sigh. "Seriously, Black? We have been here a million times, do you really want to do this again?"

Regulus was silent for a moment as he considered James's question. Eventually James watched as some of his walls fell down and his expression softened. "Killian Flint happened."

"Figured that much based off his smug look, but what exactly happened?"

"What do you think happened, Potter? He just... mentioned my family and stuff. And how I betrayed them or whatever. It's stupid."

"It's not stupid, Black," James reassured which earned him a confused look from Regulus.  "You do realize he is only saying all this because he is threatened by you, right?"

"I know that much, but... he just said some things and I don't know... we all know I'm too much of a coward to go out there now."

James stood up from the bench. "Who cares was that bastard said! I've seen you practice and you are fucking amazing, Black! So you are going to get your arse off that bloody bench and go put that asshole in his place!"

So that was what Regulus did and the look on Killians face when they stepped out of the locker room was absolutely priceless.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus flew towards the golden snitch, the wind blowing restlessly in his face and Killian at his side. His hand was only inches away from the snitch. Killian gave him a little shove and Regulus almost lost his balance, but he managed to stay on his broom. "You must be really insecure on your seeker abilities to feel the need to embarrass me, a poor innocent sissy, in front of all your pathetic friends like that," Regulus mocked with a smirk on his face.

Killian fell into a moment of shock at Regulus defending himself and that was all he needed. Regulus inched forward a little further on his broom and his fist closed around the snitch. The Gryffindor team erupted in cheers and the two seekers lowered themselves to the ground. Hezekiah threw his arms around Regulus. "That was amazing, Reg! I told you that you would win!"

Regulus gave him a helpless smile. That had felt good and he had definitely bruised Flints ego. "Alright that was our last test," Frank announced. "The team and I have talked and we decided that Wood, you will our keeper, Barron you will be our beater, Fawley you will be our chaser, and Black you have earned yourself the role of our new seeker!"

The crowed broke out in excitement and disappointment. Much to Regulus's surprise, Sirius walked over to him. "Good job, Regulus," he congratulated awkwardly.

"Thanks, Sirius," he thanked politely.

An awkward silence settled between them. "Should we-" Sirius started. Without thinking, Regulus cut him off by pulling him into a hug. His older brother quickly wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. "You know I can still beat Flints ass if you want me to, right?"

Regulus let out a helpless laugh against his older brothers shoulder. "I think I'm good, but thanks for the offer though."

"Any day, Reggie." Sirius teased.

"For the last time, I told you not to call me that."

Chapter Text

October 25, 1973

REMUS JOHN LUPIN

"Moonyyyyy, what did you get for question three?" Sirius asked leaning over in his chair to look at Remus's parchment. He quickly yanked it out of his view.

He rolled his eyes before speaking, "I don't know, answer it yourself."

"I tried! I don't understand it, Moony."

Remus gave him a condescending look. "Sirius you just got on that question less than a minute ago!"

Sirius rested his forehead on the table. "I know but it's hard! This class sucks," Sirius whined.

James leaned back in his chair. Him and Peter were sitting at the table in front of them. "The answer is B, Pads."

"Thanks, Prongs! You are the best," Sirius exclaimed excitedly as he circled the answer.

"Really, James? You know you can't help him on the exam. Stop giving him all the answers now," Remus scolded.

James just shrugged, "Look, I am going to use my excellent transfiguration skills and being top of the class to my friends advantages. Any you are stuck on, Moons?"

"No I think, I'm good," he replied dryly. Remus thought he was going to go insane if he had to hear James brag about being top of transfiguration one more time. He was worse than Snape and Lily in potions!

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

"Is it just me or is Potions so stupid," Hez asked him as they walked to Potions class.

"I think you just hate Slughorn, Hez."

Hezekiah shrugged. "Fair point. I don't think he likes me very much either."

"I don't think he likes any of us," Regulus pointed out before they pushed open the door to the potions classroom. The class was all standing in front of the classroom and the two boys joined them with confused looks on their faces.

"Today you will be getting new potions groups. It will be good for you all to make new friends and work with new people than who you worked with last year," Slughorn announced to the class. "Our first group will be Barron and Bozzelli."

Aidan and a red head, Hufflepuff boy sat down at the table in the front of the class. "Alright, next we have Fawley and Flint."

Hezekiah gave Regulus a is he being serious right now look. "Have fun with that one," he teased.

Hezekiah reluctantly went to sit down next to Killian who was already glaring at him. Slughorn continued to list off names until he landed on his group. "Black and Cresswell, you are our next group."

At least it's someone I know, he thought. He sat down at an empty table with his blonde roommate. "Could be worse, right? We could be with Carrow or Flint," Kian joked.

Regulus shook his head and let out a little laugh. "Don't even joke about that. The thought is genuinely terrifying. Especially for me, they hate my guts for being sorted into Gryffindor."

"Yeah, but at least you are a pureblood. I have one muggle parent and suddenly they want me dead," Kian pointed out.

Regulus shrugged, "I mean, you aren't wrong."

"Hezekiah really did not get very lucky though. Flint. I mean I heard about the Quidditch tryout drama and honestly, I'm praying for Flint. You and Hezekiah seem pretty close and if I was in Fawleys position... let's just say things wouldn't end well for Flint."

"He is too soft and kind to do anything," Regulus explained.

Kian just shrugged, "We will see about that."

Slughorn went on to explain their new project and the two boys got on to working on it.

Chapter Text

November 2, 1973 (Friday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus flicked his practice snitch around nervously in his hand. The first Quidditch match was tomorrow and he could feel to pressure bearing down on him more and more every minute. Longbottom was practically counting on him to catch the snitch which Regulus found very foolish. He may be good, but if he got hurt for some reason, the team was screwed.

He had just finished his last class of the day. Unlike other days, Regulus was alone. Hezekiah was sick so Regulus had pretty much been left alone for the last couple days. Besides Kian in potions of course. Regulus did have to admit that for a half-blood, he wasn't bad.

He was interrupted from his thoughts when a voice from behind him called out his name, "Black!"

He spun around to find the source of the voice. He came face to face with a familiar female Gryffindor. Delina was the new keeper for the Quidditch team. Her older brother had just had just graduated last year so she had taken his position as keeper. Her wavy brunette hair fell just to her shoulders (it was usually styled half-up-half-down). She always seemed to have a smile on her face and twinkle in her big brown eyes. She was slightly shorter than Regulus which made her the shortest on the team. "Wood," he greeted politely, trying to sound somewhat enthusiastic.

She let out an awkward laugh seeming to sense his fake interest in anything she had to say. "Well, I know you are probably like why is she talking to me right," she let out another small laugh. "So I'll just get to point and skip the small talk. Aidan and I are about to go practice some Quidditch before the game tomorrow so I figured I would offer for you to come along if you wanted to. Alice, Franks girlfriend in case you don't know, is coming along too. She is actually a pretty decent seeker. She played half of last year until she broke her arm, but you would know that of course. So yeah, she could probably face you off and give to you a little more practice before the game."

Regulus nodded slightly and briefly considered the offer. "Well, I guess some more practice can't hurt can it?"

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

When Regulus reached the opening to the pitch, he had an unpleasant surprise. "I think you failed to mention that Potter would be here."

Delina looked highly confused, "I didn't invite him. I have no clue what he is doing here."

As they reached the three other Gryffindors, James spoke, "Black! What a pleasant surprise. I didn't even know you were going to be here."

"I could say the same thing about you. You seem to follow me everywhere this year. What am I? Your new obsession? Did you finally give up on Evans," Regulus spat.

James rolled his eyes before stepping closer to him, "Don't be so full of yourself, Black. Of course you aren't."

Alice seemed to sense the tension growing between them because she quickly changed the subject, "Alright well let's get to practicing."

So that's what they did. Alice caught the snitch before him a couple times, but Regulus still ended up winning more times. Him and James made rude comments to each other the entire time. The fake concern that James had for him at tryouts was now gone.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

November 3, 1973 (Saturday)

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

"Welcome to the first Quidditch match of the season, ladies and gents! Gryffindors vs. Slytherins!" Ezra Bozzelis voice came over the speaker. James and the rest of his team nervously mounted their brooms. "First lets start with our Gryffindor team! For keeper we have Delina Wood." Delina flew out the tunnel and performed some tricks for the stands. They cheered her on. "For beaters we have Aidan Barron and Sirius Black!" Sirius and Aidan flew out. "Next we have our chasers, Frank Longbottom, Hezekiah Fawley, and James Potter!"

James took off after Frank who was in front of him. James flew a couple of laps around the pitch before blowing a kiss in the direction of the Gryffindor stands. He watched a handful of first and second year girls fawn over the kiss. "And last, but certainly not least, is the Gryffindor seeker, Regulus Black!"

Regulus flew out on his broom and did a lap before lowering himself next to Hezekiah on the field. James never failed to be mesmerized by Regulus when he was flying. There was just something so... majestic about it. James found it hard to peel his eyes away from the younger boy. But I mean that was normal right? It's not like he was the only one.

The Slytherin quidditch team was announced next and James shook hands with them as they landed in front of him. When the quaffle was released into the air he took off and his brain was immediately in Quidditch mode. He flew around effortlessly, tossing the quaffle around, scoring goals, and dodging bludgers. An hour in, him and Frank were leading the team. They were a couple points in front of Slytherin. Fawley was falling behind. He didn't seem to be in the right mindset, but he was still getting over his cold. Frank seemed to be getting stressed. Hezekiah had been nearly hit by bludgers many times which kept Aidan pretty busy. Sirius had decided to mirror James the game because he had become the main target.

Occasionally, James would let his eyes fall to Regulus. He was still hovering in the air searching for the snitch. Evan Rosier was carefully watching him for the slightest shift in Regulus's face, any hint that he had spotted the snitch. About an hour and a half in, Regulus did spot it. He immediately took off on his broom and Rosier immediately flew after him.

Rosier was fast, but Regulus was faster. He was clearly going to reach the snitch first. Well, that was until everything went haywire. Regulus's broom started to move up and down and side to side. The stands erupted in laughter as Regulus tried to gain control of his broom. James clearly knew this was not Regulus's doing. Regulus was an extraordinary Quidditch player, there was no denying it. Something like this wouldn't just happen. Someone was clearly jinxing his broom.

James Potter was going to kill someone. He let his eyes instinctively fall to Killian Flint. He was laughing with his friends and pointing at Regulus, but his wand wasn't raised. James desperately scanned the stand, but he couldn't find the source of the spell. "This isn't fair! This is cheating!" Frank yelled.

Evan seemed like he was about to catch the snitch, but then Regulus, being the stupid fucking idiot that never wanted to lose that he was, leaped of his broom and closed his fist around the snitch at the last second. As he fell, he caught the end of his broom so that he was just dangling from the air. Sirius, who has already flown over there, grabbed onto him and helped lower him to the ground. The Gryffindor stands erupted in applause. As soon as the Gryffindor team landed on the ground, Frank and Sirius lifted Regulus onto their shoulders. The stands started to chant his name and James joined them.

Regulus Black was still quite the mystery to him, but James didn't mind the constant mystery. He was determined to figure out who Regulus truly was under the walls he put up.

Chapter Text

November 13, 1973 (Tuesday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

"So you really have no clue who jinxed your broom," Sirius asked for the millionth time in the last week.

He let out a tired sigh, "Sirius, I already told you. I don't know. Potter said he was watching Flint and he didn't cast it."

"I know, but there isn't someone else who has a problem with you that could have casted it?"

Regulus gave him an incredulous look, "Sirius, a lot of people have a problem with me. It could have been anyone. Plus, I don't really care. Sure it was embarrassing, but we still won either way."

"Yes, but as your older brother it is my job to beat up whoever the hell embarrasses you like that," Sirius explained.

Regulus rolled his eyes, "Well, I don't want you to. Now can you please leave me alone, I have a charms essay to write."

Sirius reluctantly got off the Gryffindor common room couch, "Fine, but I'm going to find out who it was."

Regulus let out another tired sigh, "Whatever, go do that. Just leave me alone, okay?"

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

A couple hours later, Regulus wandered the halls alone. He was slightly more upset about the Quidditch accident then he was letting on and he really just wanted some time alone. He didn't even have an essay to write.

He was sick of Hezekiah, Frank, Aidan, Sirius, and James constantly interrogating him over it wherever he went so he told his three roommates he was going for a walk and he told Sirius and James he had an essay to write.

It was getting dark now which meant it was nearing curfew so the halls were completely empty. Regulus had spent some time in the library, but he was now on his way back to the common room. He thought over and over on who could have jinxed his broom, but a lot of names came to mind. He had pissed off quite a few people the last year and a half.

He was interrupted out of his thoughts by someone shoving him up against a wall. He soon came face to face with Snape, Mulciber, and Avery. Yay, his three favorite people.

"Well look what we have here," Mulciber taunted pushing him further against the wall. "One of the Gryffindor Black brothers." Regulus drew his wand, but Avery saw him and disarmed him. His wand went flying down the hallway. Great. Fucking great. How was he going to get out of this now.

"What a pleasure to see you too, Mulciber. You just love to pin me against walls, don't you? Seems a little suspicious when you think about it. I mean don't you think you are too old for me? And trust me, you are definitely not my ty-" Regulus mocked, but Mulciber cut him off by throwing a quick curse at him. Regulus winced in pain. "Sorry, I forgot you don't have a sense of humor."

Mulciber pulled away from him and Regulus relaxed a little. For a stupid moment he was hopeful he could get out of this situation and then he realized that they still had him cornered and he didn't have a bloody wand. "How did you like Severus's little show at the game last week?" Avery taunted with a sneer.

A resentful smirk appeared on Regulus's face and he let out a bitter laugh. "Of course it was you, Snivellous." He enunciated the name knowing it would piss of and it certainly did, but his plan sort of backfired on him. Snape cast an unknown spell at his face, it hit his jaw and blood trickled down the side of his face. He let out a cry of pain. "Ow, Fuck! What the hell was that!"

Avery and Mulciber both threw a couple hex's at him. Snape raised his wand the throw a hex at him, but a hex hit him in his side. He became frozen and he fell straight onto his back. Regulus turned to see his three roommates standing at the end of the hall. Kian had his wand pointed at Snape with a satisfied look on his face. Hez quickly threw Regulus his wand and he caught it.

"Your life must be really bloody sad to pick on someone two years younger than you, Mulcy," Aidan taunted. Regulus thought he was absolutely stupid to taunt Mulciber especially as a muggle born, but Regulus was certainly enjoying the show.

"Oh you are so dead you, mudblood. Stele-" Mulciber started, but he never finished because Kian cast the same spell he had on Snape. Regulus quickly hexed Avery so his mouth stayed glued shut and the four second year boys made a run for it. They didn't stop running until they were safely at the common room.

When they entered the dorm, Regulus collapsed onto his bed. "Thanks," he said to the three of them. "That was pretty cool, Aidan. Stupid, but cool."

A playful smile appeared on the boys face, "Wow, Regulus Black is impressed by something I did, I'm honored," he teased, bringing a dramatic hand to his heart.

Regulus threw his pillow at Aidan, but he just caught it. Hez came over to him to inspect the cut that was still bleeding on his jaw. The side of his shirt was soaked with his blood. The stupid thing was that he had forgot about it completely. "Reg that looks terrible. What spell did Snape throw at you?" Hez asked, his eyebrows creasing with concern. He grabbed a towel off his bed and started to wipe the blood away.

Regulus frowned, "I don't know, I didn't recognize it."

"You should go to Pomfrey, Regulus. It doesn't look like the bleeding is going to stop any time soon," Kian offered.

"Yeah, come on. I'll take you," Hezekiah agreed. Regulus just nodded.

"We should all go. You know, safety in numbers. We just pissed off three Slytherins after all," Aidan declared.

None of them argued against that. They all made their way to Pomfrey's where she quickly fussed over the cut. She quickly kicked Kian, Hez, and Aidan out. She said she had never seen the spell before. She demanded to know who did it, but Regulus lied and said he didn't see who did. She seemed to sense his lie, but she didn't push it.

Pomfrey had managed to stop the bleeding, but she said it would still leave a scar because she had no clue how to heal it. She had said he was lucky it was his face and not his chest.

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

As soon as he exited his dorm room and entered the common room the next morning, he came face to face with his brother and James. Sirius immediately examined the cut on his face and cupped the side of Regulus's face with his hand. "Who the hell did this to you?! Aidan said you got in a fight last night?"

Regulus frowned and shoved Sirius off him. "Its nothing," he lied. "Aidan was joking. I just tripped and fell."

Sirius frowned, immediately picking up on his lie. "It was the person who hexed your broom wasn't it? You know who it is, don't you? Please tell, Reggie. I just want to help."

Regulus didn't deny the accusation. "It wouldn't matter if I told you anyway, you already beat him up either way."

Regulus quickly realized who bad he had fucked up by the look on James's face. James took off in a sprint and Regulus yelled after him, "Wait, Potter! Come back! You can't just go and hex him!"

Sirius let out a scoff, "It's fucking Snape isn't it?! I should have known..." He took off in a sprint after James.

Regulus buried his face in the palm of his hands. Great, that's just great.

Chapter Text

December 21, 1973 (Friday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

"I wish I could come with you guys," Aidan complained for the millionth time as the train came to a halt at the platform. "Why do I have to be a Muggleborn?!"

Kian gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I mean are you guys 100% sure Hez's parents aren't going to like murder me over break?"

"My family is one of the less blood supremacist pureblood families, you'll be fine, Ki," Hezekiah reassured. "Plus wouldn't you rather spend your birthday with your friends."

Regulus was beyond happy. He didn't have to go home for Christmas because him and Kian were staying at the Fawleys instead. The Fawleys were somewhat easy to convince to let Kian stay over at their house. Regulus's parents on the other hand, were not so easy to convince. Regulus had confronted them about it at the Quidditch match last week. They were fine with it until the Kian part. He tried to persuade them with Kian being top of all their classes just behind Regulus. They had requested to speak with Kian who reluctantly and very nervously walked over to talk with them. In the end, they had reluctantly agreed.

The four boys exited their compartment and said their goodbyes to Aidan before walking over to the Fawleys. Hez's mother quickly outstretched her hand to Regulus with a small smile on her face. She looked exactly like Hez just the female version. They had the same smile and facial structure. His whole family also shared his brown eyes, curly hair, and tan skin. "You must be Regulus Black, I could recognize a Black anywhere. I'm Elizabeth Fawley and this is my husband Atlas Fawley," she introduced gesturing to her husband. Regulus shook hands with the man. They both shook hands with Kian before Elizabeth pulled her son into a tight hug. Atlas just gave his son a tense pat on the shoulder.

They apparated back to the Fawleys Manor. Kian looked sick after it, clearly never having apparated before. Hez elbowed him playfully i the ribs in a teasing gesture. The Fawley Manor was a huge brick house in the middle of nowhere. It had woods on both sides. It looked awfully cozy compared to Grimmuald Place, the Malfoy Manor, or the Lestrange Manor. When Atlas and Elizabeth opened the door, Hez was tackled into a hug by his younger sister Mirabelle. He picked her up and spun her around, a smile instantly appearing on his face.

"Well how about you show the boys to your room, Hez," Elizabeth offered.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

December 25, 1973 (Tuesday)

HEZEKIAH DEAN FAWLEY

"Happy Birthday!" Him and Reg yelled as they tackled Kian into a hug as he woke up.

Kian let out a yawn. "Wow not a 'Merry Christmas!' either?" Kian teased.

He just shrugged, "Eh, your birthday is more important. You are officially a teenager now!"

Kian nodded before burying his head in his pillow. "Uh huh, and I'll be excited about that when it is at least 8 am. Wake me up later."

Regulus threw a pillow at him, "Yeah, nice try. Get up, Cresswell."

Kian did eventually wake up and they went downstairs to open their presents. Regulus received a new sweater from Cissy and new quills from his parents. Hez couldn't help but notice his disappointment when he didn't receive a gift from his brother. The Black brothers had a confusing relationship, they were friends the one moment and enemies the next. He supposed that was how all siblings were, but in their case it was more... intense?

Kian received new books from his parents and when he got to the his birthday gift and card from him and Regulus, he broke out into a smile. They had split the price and gifted him new robes that weren't second hand ones from some graduating student. Hezekiah knew his parents hadn't been able to afford to get him brand new robes so he had suggested to Reg they buy him some. He tackled them both in a hug and the three of them started wrestling on the ground. Kian quickly rolled out of the way, but Regulus and Hezekiah continued to play fight. Regulus pinned his wrists against the carpet above his head and broke out into a triumphant smile. Hez suddenly felt the need to to get Regulus at least a foot away from him as an unknown heat flushed to his cheeks. He gently shoved Regulus off him. Okay, what the hell was that?

"Oh to be that young and innocent. I miss being 12, Hezekiah," his father announced to them, interrupting Hez out of his mild panic.

He couldn't help the wince that appeared on his face. Regulus was frowning at him with a sympathetic look in his eyes. "Thirteen," he corrected with a frown. His father gave him a confused look. "I'm thirteen, father. I turned thirteen in October."

Atlas flashed him a fake smile, "Same thing, my son."

He suddenly felt overwhelmed by the tension that had filled the room so he quickly excused himself, "I need to use the loo."

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆°°✩

December 27th, 1973 (Thursday)

SIRIUS ORION BLACK

"I have an idea," James announced as they sat on his couch.

"And that would be?" Sirius asked, suddenly intrigued.

"Well, Regulus is staying at the Fawley's right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I have an idea for a prank on them," James said, a smirk appearing on his face.

Sirius broke out in a grin, "And what would that be, Potter?"

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

It had been snowing all day. Hez had insisted they went outside and played in the snow so they slipped on their coats, boots, gloves, and hats and ran outside. They spent a good amount of time just throwing snow balls at each other. They would then take a break and just roll around in the snow. They would then go back to throwing snowballs. It had become a pattern.

Right now they were just laying in the snow in silence. Hezekiah was the first to break that silence, "Guys, look!"

Him and Kian looked to where their friend was pointed. Regulus almost couldn't believe his eyes. Under one of the trees was a stag and black dog. "Holy shit," Kian muttered in disbelief. Regulus gave him a surprised look at the curse, but Kian just shrugged. He didn't even know Kian Cresswell was capable of swearing.

The stag and dog kept on walking towards them. Regulus was so confused at the moment and also foolishly scared. "Okay, this is really weird," Hez stated, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

As they neared closer, Regulus got a sudden surge of bravery. He met the two animals half way. The dog licked his leg before he started barking and running laps around him. Regulus cautiously outstretched his hand to the stag. The animal nudged it's nose against his hand and a smile broke out on his face. He heard his friends let out laughs of disbelief behind him. Regulus trailed his hand down the stags neck and started to pet it. The dog seemed get jealous at the lack of attention so Hez came over and started to pet it. Kian pulled out what Regulus assumed was a muggle camera that he had apparently had in his bag and he snapped a picture of them.

Eventually the two animals ran off and the three of them just sat there in silence and disbelief on what had just happened.

Chapter Text

February 10, 1974 (Thursday)

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

"Sirius, I'm not going to the three broomsticks with her. You can forget it," James replied with great frustration.

"But why! It doesn't have to necessarily mean anything. Just I don't know get her a couple butterbeers and then maybe by the end you will want to kiss her and then you will. You can potentially have your first kiss this weekend!" Sirius pointed out desperately.

"I'm not going to Hogsmeade this weekend and I'm most certainly not going with Amelia Bones. I don't like her like that, Sirius."

"But what about your first kiss! She is head over heels for you, mate! It would be the perfect opportunity."

"Sirius, I'm not going okay?" He said in a tone that clearly said he wasn't going to be persuaded on this. "You can tell her I'm not feeling up to Hogsmeade this weekend."

Sirius rolled his eyes, "Fine, but if you aren't going then neither am I."

"Isn't Remus going though?" He asked.

Sirius gave him a strange look, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know you guys have just been... close lately. I just figured if he was going you would want to hang out with him and Lily," he explained nervously. He hadn't meant to offend Sirius.

Sirius gave him one last look before speaking, "Yeah, he is. Him and Evans are going to The Three Broomsticks to study for their project or whatever. I told him people are going to think they are dating because it's Valentines weekend, but he just told me to piss off."

"Yeah well no one gets in between Remus Lupin and his studying and butterbeers."

"Also, on the topic of people being heads over heels for people, Wood definitely has a crush on my brother," Sirius pointed out with a grin.

James winced in pity for Regulus because he knew Sirius and he would not want to be Sirius's little brother in this situation. "You are going to torture him with it aren't you?"

"Of course," he said, his mischievous grin only growing.

"Pads, he is like 12!"

"So? That makes it even funnier, Prongs!"

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

February 11, 1974 (Saturday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus liked the peace and quiet in the halls. The third years and above were all mostly at Hogsmeade so the hallways were pretty much empty and silent. Regulus and Hezekiah were just heading back from lunch now. Kian and Aidan were still eating and chatting so they had just told the two of them to go ahead.

"Reg, you have a crumb under lip," Hez announced.

He wiped his lips off. "Is it gone?"

Hez shook his head, "No, you missed it. Here let me get it." He carefully reached up and swiped away the crumb with his thumb. His curls briefly brushed against the side of Regulus's face.

Regulus couldn't help the small smile that appeared on his face, "All gone?"

"All gone," Hez confirmed. He had stepped back, but they were still pretty close and some weird tension passed between them.

"Regulus!" A voice yelled from behind them, breaking the forming tension. Sirius. Of course it's his brother. James was glued to his shoulder like always.

"What do you want, Sirius?" He asked tiredly.

"Nothing, I just wanted to spend time with my little brother," he answered as he ruffled Regulus's hair.

Regulus scowled at him. "You never want to spend time with me so what the hell do you want now?"

"Wow, you have certainly developed quite the vocabulary this year, Reggie. I think Barron is a bad influence on you."

"Don't call me that."

"But you used to love when I called you Reggie and you used to call me Siri," he teased.

"Key word, used to."

"Whatever you say, Reggie," he replied with an eye roll. "Well anyway, I was just wondering if you were aware on the raging crush Delina Wood has on you."

"I tried to stop him from coming over here," James interjected. Regulus just shot him a glare like he wasn't happy of his presence here because he wasn't. He wanted them both to piss off. James just rolled his eyes at the glare.

Regulus was in fact not aware of her crush on him. "Yeah I guess I was?"

"And you aren't going to do anything about it?! Reggie she could be your first girlfriend! Wouldn't it be so sweet?"

"I told you to stop calling me that! And I don't want a girlfriend, Sirius!"

"But why not?"

Regulus let out a noise of frustration. "I just don't!"

Something changed in Sirius's expression and he appeared to find something else to tease him about. "Sorry, Reg. I guess I didn't consider that you might not swing that way. Of course it's okay, if you don't like girls, you know."

Regulus let out a scoff. "Oh fuck off, Sirius. Now you are just being an arse."

"Sorry, I shouldn't have excused you of that. Of course you wouldn't be a poof because you are mummy and daddy's perfect son." There was an edge to his tone at the last part and it cut deep into Regulus. He couldn't fight the wince that appeared on his face and he hated himself for it. It just proved to Sirius that his words had done exactly what he had intended them to do. Regulus hated how Sirius knew exactly what to say to upset him. He always knew.

"Come on, Sirius. You have annoyed him quite enough now," James announced again.

"No, he knows it's true, James. Every one knows its true and that's why he gets to pissed every time. It's actually funny at this point. Everyone knows he is just a pathetic little coward who-"

Hez cut him off by drawing out his wand and throwing a hex at him, "Crinus Muto!"

Sirius's hair started to turn green and James and Regulus both watched it happen in horror and shock. "What the hell, Fawley!" Sirius exclaimed in horror.

Sirius seemed like he was about to attack Hez, but James restrained him. "Come on, Sirius. I changed my mind, we are going to Hogsmeade now." James then turned to look at Regulus. "You two should go back to the common room."

No one argued at that and they went their separate ways. As soon as they were out of earshot of James and Sirius, Regulus came to a halt in front of Hezekiah, "Hez you can't just hex people like that!"

"I was just defending you, Reg! He had no right to say any of that!"

"I know, but now you have only pissed him off and trust me he is really fucking petty when he wants to be."

"So what! I still don't regret it. He deserved it!"

Regulus didn't fight him on that, "How did you even know how to do that? That is like a 6th year transfiguration spell."

"My mum," Hez explained. "She was top of her transfiguration class in school. She taught me a couple complicated spells over summer break."

Chapter Text

March 20, 1974 (Wednesday)

AIDAN JOHN BARRON

"What if we pull a prank on the whole school?" he asked from his spot on his bed.

His three roommates looked up curiously at him from their spot on the floor beside his bed. "Like the marauders do?" Kian asked.

"Yeah, exactly! Except we would pull a better and more creative prank than they ever have. Just imagine we pull the best prank hogwarts has ever seen and then they get blamed for it and they all get in trouble. It would be hilarious!"

"But, wouldn't we want our grand accomplishment to be known? Why should they get all the credit?" Hez asked.

"Sure, the praise would be nice, but them getting thrown under the bus for this would be even funnier!"

"He has a point. I would love to see the look on Sirius's face," Regulus said with a mischievous grin. "I'm personally all for this prank."

Aidan smiled back at him and patted him on the shoulder, "I knew you would understand me, Reginald."

"But what would the prank be if we did it?" Kian pointed out. "They have done some pretty good pranks. It would be hard to top there's."

"It needs to be something muggle related. It needs to something they never in a million years would have thought of doing," Regulus explained.

His three friends turned to him expectantly and he thought of all the countless ones they could do and when the idea came to him he couldn't help, but smirk. "Oh, I've got the perfect prank and it's gonna scare the shit out of the non-muggleborn or half-blood first years."

"What is it?" Regulus asked leaning forward eagerly.

"Elmo," Aidan said with a smile.

Kian burst out into a laugh, clearly automatically knowing where he was going with this. "Holy shit! That is so mean, but it's genius, Aidan. Truly genius."

"What is Elmo?" Hezekiah asked.

"Well basically there is this show called Sesame Street in the muggle world that has been playing for the last five years. I told you two about movies and shows right?" Aidan asked his two pureblood friends and they nodded. "Well, one of the characters is this baby muppet named Elmo. He is like this red furry monster. I think he is supposed to be funny for little kids, but his laugh is kind of terrifying. So I thought that maybe we could cast some charm on the school halls so that all you hear is Elmo laughing over and over again."

"I don't really understand anything you just said, but it sounds like a good idea," Regulus responded, his confused evident.

"Yes, but how would we do it?" Hez asked.

"Kian, Reg, and I will figure out a spell, but your job within the next week is to speak with your little Muggleborn friend. We better hope he has a tape or something with Elmo's laugh because I feel like we are going to need it."

"Ezra? You need me to get his help?"

"Uh huh."

"But, he will know that it's us doing to prank then," Regulus pointed out.

"Well, we better hope he keeps it a secret then. Tag you're it, Fawley," Aidan said.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

March 21, 1974 (Thursday)

HEZEKIAH DEAN FAWLEY

Hezekiah was leaning against the wall outside the Hufflepuff common room waiting for Ezra. People kept on giving him strange looks as they stepped into their common room, but he ignored them. When he spotted Ezra's ginger hair amongst the crowd he walked over to him. "Hez? What are you doing here?" Ezra asked him when he saw him.

"I need your help with something, but you can't tell anyone about it okay?" He explained. "Do you promise?"

Ezra gave him a skeptical look, "Okay, I promise I won't tell anyone."

"Kian, Regulus, Aidan, and I are planning a prank on the school and we need something for it. Please tell me you have a tape or something of Sesame Street."

"Sesame Street. Why do you four need a tape of Sesame Street? What kind of prank are you planning?"

"It doesn't matter. Do you have one?"

"Weirdly enough I actually do. I don't even know why I brought it, it's not like I can watch it here, but I like to listen to it. It reminds me of home."

He let a exhale of relief, "Oh thank godric, I was convinced Aidan was going to murder me if I didn't get a tape of bloody Sesame Street which I'm still very confused on what that even is by the way."

"Your pureblood brain couldn't handle Sesame Street. It would explode, Hez," Ezra teased before gesturing towards to opening to the common room. "I'll be back, stay here."

Ezra returned and he handed him the tape. "Thanks, I appreciate it Ez," he thanked. "I promise I will get it back to you safe and sound."

"You better, Fawley. Good luck on your prank."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

March 29, 1974 (Friday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

They spent the next eight days finding a spell and casting it in all the corridors in the school. Hez's ability to learn how to cast spells fast was really the savior of the prank.

They were all now sitting in the great hall for breakfast. The spell was set to go off any minute now. When it did go off and Elmo's laugh echoed off the walls, the whole hall burst out into chaos and confusion. The four of them all burst out laughing.

Regulus locked eyes with Ezra Bozzeli at the Hufflepuff table. He was laughing at them and shaking his head.

The marauders were immediately escorted and out the great hall by Mcgonagall and Regulus was sure that they no doubt got detention for weeks.

Chapter Text

June 28, 1974 (Friday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus was cornered.

As soon as he had hauled his trunks down the common room steps, Sirius had him cornered. Regulus was the first to speak, "You should go the Potters this summer."

Sirius blinked in surprise, "What?! No, I'm not leaving you in that house alone all summer."

Regulus let out a scoff, "So now you care about me?! Four months ago your clearly didn't give a shit about me!"

"Of course I care about you, Regulus. You are my little brother! I already told you I'm sorry about what I said."

"And I still don't forgive you because you aren't sorry Sirius. You are just saying sorry to make yourself feel better. You don't actually mean it."

Sirius went silent for a moment. "You do the same thing to me too, Reg. You like me the next moment and then you hate my guts the next."

"I never said I didn't, I was just pointing out that you had no right to say any of that."

"I know I didn't and I am sorry, Reggie. I'm not going to the Potters this summer. I'm going back to Grimmuald Place with you, okay?"

Regulus bit his lip trying to come up with an argument, but he couldn't. "Okay."

⭑ ⭑ ⭑

"Have I ever told you guys how much I hate my brother?" Regulus asked as he entered their usual compartment on the train.

"Every day, Reg. Every day," Kian answered.

"And we happen to share that hatred," Hezekiah chimed in.

"Hey! Sirius is cool sometimes!" Aidan corrected. They all shot him a glare. "I was joking! Relax. You can all stop planning my death now."

Regulus settled down next to Hez. "I tried to get him to stay at the Potters so I wouldn't have to deal with him, but he wouldn't budge."

"Well, I'm happy to go back to the muggle world. I need a break from you wizards for a couple months," Aidan stated.

"You act like we are the worst people ever," Hez said in a offended tone.

"Because you are sometimes. You all have siblings, mommy, and daddy issues I swear. It's actually depressing," Aidan pointed out.

"I mean my parents just don't give two shits about me," Kian said. "I practically raised my little sister."

"My dad didn't remember my birthday and he treats me like shit," Hez added.

"Yeah you guys know all sorts of fun stories about my parents," Regulus added. "And my brother is an arse."

Aidan gestured to all of them, "My point being."

Chapter Text

October 6, 1974

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

The first month of school had gone by in the blink of an eye.

Regulus was still close as ever with his three roommates, but things were also slightly different this year. Some of the foolish immaturity and blindness to what was happening around them was gone. They were growing up now.

Hez had been acting different especially around Regulus. Aidan seemed to be more nervous around Regulus as attacks on muggleborns started to happen again. There was rumors that there could be death eater students within Hogwarts walls and he could tell that terrified Aidan because of course it was. When Kian confronted him about the matter, Regulus had said he really had no clue if there were or not.For the last month he had been mainly focusing on Quidditch because it helped him clear his mind.

Another thing that Regulus had deducted was that James Potter was the most confusing wizard ever. One moment he hated Regulus and then he was teasing him and then he actually wanted to be around him. It was very confusing and Regulus didn't really care enough to figure out what his deal bloody was.

***

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

James watched the Quidditch team slowly exit the locker room. They had just wrapped up practice. Sirius had left saying he had to turn in his essay to Minnie. The only two people left in the locker room was him and Regulus now. "I was going to stay back and practice a little more if you wanted to stay back to?" James offered, breaking the silence between them.

Regulus gave him an odd look before in raising an eyebrow and speaking, "With you?"

James rolled his eyes. "Isn't your thing always that you can never get enough practice," he called out.

Regulus shot him a glare. "Yes, but not with you," he replied dryly.

"Come on it won't kill you, Black. We would both benefit from a little more practice. Look, I won't even practice my chaser skills. I can go against you as seeker and give you some competition."

Regulus was silent for a moment. "Fine," he agreed reluctantly.

***

They didn't practice much, both of them too tired after practice. Regulus had caught the snitch once and then they had called it quits. They both landed in the middle of the field. "Is your ego hurt now that I beat you, Potter?" Regulus teased.

"Look, you might be a better chaser than me, but I think we both know who would win if we got in a fistfight right now," James pointed out with a smirk on his face.

Regulus let out a scoff, "Oh please, Potter. I think we both know I would win."

James raised an eyebrow, "Is that a challenge, Black?"

Regulus tossed his broom to the side, "It most definitely is." They then proceeded to fistfight like children in the middle of the field. Five minutes later, Regulus was sadly winning and James really didn't want him to have this over him so he picked the younger boy up and threw him over his shoulder. Regulus automatically started the yell and punch at his back, "Let me go you arse! You are just mad I was winning! Put me down!"

James smirked, "As you wish." He let go of Regulus and let Regulus fall to the ground. Yeah, he was definitely enjoying pissing off Regulus right now.

What he hadn't anticipated was that Regulus would grab his shirt as he fell and pull James down with him. James landed on top of him, but Regulus just flipped them around so he was straddling James's hips. He pinned James's hands above his head. "I win," he said with a smirk.

James realized many things at that moment. Them being:

1. He was right to suspect that he liked guys before. He was definitely gay. This just confirmed it for him.

2. He really wanted to kiss Regulus right now.

3. He needed to get Regulus off him like right now before he did something stupid.

4. Holy shit, he liked Regulus Black.

James quickly pushed Regulus off him in a panicked movement and he stood up, straightening out his clothes. "Yeah, sure you did. I've gotta go. Bye," he rushed out quickly as he took off into a sprint towards the castle.

He really needed to tell someone about this new revelation he had just made or he felt like he was going to go crazy. He obviously couldn't tell Sirius because he would absolutely murder him. Marlene. He needed Marlene. I mean surely he could tell her. They had been friends their whole lives and she was practically his sister. Her, Peter, and him had practically grown up together. Their parents were friends at Hogwarts and they all lived in the same neighborhood.

He found her talking to Mary and Lily outside the Gryffindor common room. He quickly grabbed her arm and started to pull her down a random corridor. "I really need to talk to you."

"But James- I-," she started to protest as he pulled her away from her conversation she was having. As they came to a halt she gave him a pissed off look. "What is so important that you had to physically drag me down here to tell me?!"

"I like Regulus. Like a lot. I'm fucking head over heels for him and I probably have been for a long time I just never realized it until ten minutes ago."

Marlene just let out a groan and buried her face in her hands.

Chapter Text

October 18, 1974 (Friday)

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

Regulus was sitting in his last class of the day which was Transfiguration. The class was just wrapping up now. "That is all for today. You are dismissed besides Mr. Black and Mr. Cresswell," McGonagall announced to the class.

Aidan turned around in his seat to look at them. He raised an eyebrow at them, "What the hell did you two do?"

"Nothing that I know of," Kian answered with a shrug. After that, Hezekiah and Aidan left them with Professor McGonagall.

Once the class was empty she spoke, "Professor Epethall has requested that I inform you two on the fact that he has promoted you to the 4th year divination class. Your test results were far beyond average especially yours Mr. Cresswell." For some reason Kian didn't seem thrilled by that last comment. "You will start 4th year divination on Monday. You are both dismissed."

They both said their goodbyes to her, but as they walked back to the dorm Kian still seemed upset. "You don't seem thrilled," Regulus pointed out.

"Of course I'm not. I just want to feel normal for once, Reg!" Kian complained.

Regulus gave him a confused look. "Of course you are normal, Ki. We just got a higher score so they are putting us in a more advanced class. It's really a good thing."

"Yeah, for you maybe. For me it's only because I'm a seer!"

He blinked in surprise, "You're a seer?"

Kian came to a stop in the hallway. "Yes, I'm a seer. I- it's just frustrating. I- I see these terrible things and then I tell someone and they- they never believe me, Reg. Everyone just looks at me like I'm crazy and I'm so sick of it. And now I'm getting promoted to harder classes which isn't a common thing either in this school. I'm just trying to feel like I fit in, but Dumbledore is making it impossible for me to."

Regulus put a comforting hand on his arm. "That's because Dumbledore fucking sucks, Ki. I don't think you are crazy and neither do our friends. If- if you ever need to talk to someone about your dreams, you can come to me. Don't go to Dumbledore or Epethall, just come to me. I promise I won't look at you like you are crazy. Maybe I can help you try to make sense of the dreams."

Kian gave him a sad smile before pulling him into a hug, "Thanks, Reg."

Regulus hugged him back, "Its the least I can do."

***

October 21, 1974 (Monday)

On Monday they both walked into the 4th year divination class together. Professor Epethall was waiting for them at the doorway. "Ah, welcome my advanced third year students!" He greeted them.

He guided them into the classroom and Regulus scanned the room for familiar faces. Peter and his brother were sitting at a table in the front of the class. A couple tables behind them was James and Marlene McKinnon. In the right back corner of the class sat Remus and Lily. In one of the tables in the middle sat Snape and Yaxley.

"For those who don't know, this is Regulus Black and Kian Cresswell," Epethall started to introduce to the class. Sirius looked up at his name and they briefly made eye contact. "I have moved them up to this class because of their extraordinary exam results. In an effort to help them make new friends, who would like the volunteer to take one of them into your groups?"

Asshole, Regulus though. Of course he was splitting them up. Marlene McKinnon eagerly raised her hand, "We'll take Black!" James elbowed her in his arm, but she just grinned at him. Great, just was he bloody needs. Being stuck in a group with James Potter.

"Excellent, go ahead Mr. Black," Epethall said excitedly as he gestures for Regulus to sit down at their table. Regulus reluctantly sat down at their table.

"Lily and I can take Kian," Remus announced. Kian went to sit down with them and class began. Epethall went over what they were to do and then sent them off to work in their groups.

"Why do you two even want me in your group anyway?" He asked dryly.

Marlene gave him an innocent smile that only infuriated him more, "Oh no reason at all, Black. Just figured I would save you from Snape and Yaxley."

Regulus rolled his eyes before speaking, "Whatever, let's just work on this project."

He let his gaze fall over to the two Slytherins at the middle table. They were both looking at him. Yaxley pointed at his jaw with a taunting smile. Regulus turned away and he couldn't help but let his hand brush against the scar on his very own jaw that he would always have curtesy of Snape.

James gave him and soft nudge on the arm and he warm smile, "Ignore them. The scar looks pretty cool, Regulus."

Regulus gave him a half hearted smile, "Thanks."

***

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

"I hate you," James announced as they left the classroom.

"Yeah, no you don't," Marlene pointed out.

"You really just had to do that didn't you?"

"Listen you should be thanking me, Potter. Black was just nice to you for like the first time ever. He even smiled at you."

A helpless smile appeared on James's face, "I know."

Marlene looked at his expression and let out a sigh, "You are down bad, Potter. You're going to get your heart broken when he doesn't like you back."

"I know that too."

Chapter Text

November 22, 1974 (Friday)

JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER

"So you and Sirius are going to the three broomsticks tomorrow? Like just the two of you?" He asked Remus.

"Yes," Remus confirmed.

"Why? Why can't the four of us just all go together?"

Remus buried his face in his hands, "For once in your life please use your brain, James."

James was still very confused. "I still don't get it. Why?"

"James if you were to ask Lily to the three broomsticks what would it mean?"

"That I was offering for her to come get a butterbeer with me? You asked her the same thing last year."

"Yeah, but I don't like her like that."

"Neither do I," James defended.

"Yeah, haha, very funny James," Remus said. "Well what does it usually mean when you ask someone who you like to Hogsmeade?"

James blinked in surprise, "You like Sirius?!"

Remus reached over to cover his mouth so no one would hear him, "Yes, now shut up before someone hears you dumbass."

"You actually like him?"

Remus seemed to relax a bit. He rested his head against the back of the common room couch. "Yeah I do. I don't know if he likes me like that though. It's hard to tell with him."

"I mean he did accept the offer," James reasoned.

Remus shrugged, "I guess so. I'm still not sure though. So who are you going to hang out with at Hogsmeade."

"I don't know, Wormtail has some date with some Hufflepuff girl so I'll probably just hangout with the girls."

"Alright, Sirius and I can still hang out with you towards the end of the trip though. Just give us some time alone first, okay?"

"Yeah, alright," James agreed. "Good luck on your little unofficial date tomorrow."

***

November 23, 1974 (Saturday)

James was walking amongst all the students going to Hogsmeade that weekend. He was walking alongside Mary, Marlene, and Lily. The three of them were chatting excitedly about what they were going to do all day. James put in his input once in awhile.

He caught sight of a certain someone walking all alone ahead of them and he tapped Marlene on the shoulder, "I'll be right back."

James jogged over to Regulus, "Hey, Regulus!"

Regulus turned to look at him. "Potter," he greeted.

James joined him on his side as they continued to walk to the carriages. "Are you all alone? Where are your friends?"

"Aidan has a date, Kian is sick, and Hez is staying back to practice Quidditch. He is stressing over the next game like crazy right now," Regulus explained.

"So what? You are just going to walk around Hogsmeade all alone? That's no fun at all."

Regulus shrugged, "It's better than being stuck in the castle."

"Well, I'm not going to let you just walk around by yourself. Come walk around with me and the girls. Sirius and Remus are doing there own thing today and Pete has a date so it's just Marlene, Lily, Mary, and I."

Regulus gave him a skeptical look like he was trying to figure out what kind of trick James was playing on him. "Why should I?"

"Come on let yourself have fun for once in your life, Regulus. Let yourself hang with Gryffindors other than your roommates. Embrace the maroon," James said, saying the last part extra dramatic.

Regulus raised an eyebrow at him, "Embrace the maroon?"

"Yeah, you heard me right."

Regulus let out a little laugh while shaking his head in disbelief. "You're an idiot, Potter."

James flashed him a smile, "I know."

Regulus seemed to cave into the idea, "You know, I guess I'll go with you guys, but only if we can stop at the bookstore. They have some muggle books there I heard. I want to see what ones they have."

James smile only grew, "I knew you would cave in eventually. Also Lils can probably help you pick out some books. She has read and a lot of muggle and wizard books so she can probably recommend some to you."

Regulus just nodded and they walked the rest of the way in silence. When they got to the carriages, Regulus climbed in with him and the girls. "Black is coming with us?" Mary asked.

Regulus nodded stiffly. "Yes, do you have a problem with that, Macdonald?"

She quickly shook her head. "No, no. I didn't mean it like that I'm just shocked I guess. I didn't take you as the type of person to go to Hogsmeade with two muggleborns and James Potter. Well and Marlene, but Marlene is just Marlene. She is a pureblood and is pretty chill. Basically the opposite of James."

"Yeah well Potter is a menace when he wants to be and I don't feel like fighting him right now. He was quite insistent that I go with you guys instead of going alone," Regulus explained.

When they arrived at Hogsmeade, they of course went to Honeydukes first. They all bought tons of sweets before leaving. They then stopped by the post office so Lily and Mary could send letters to their parents. After that they went to the bookstore. Lily and Regulus automatically made their way to the back of the store where all the books they called "good" were and where all the muggle ones also were. Marlene, Mary, and him stayed towards the front of the shop and pretended to look like they were interested in any of the books they were seeing.

***

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

"What kind of books are you looking for?" Lily asked as they walked towards the back of the store.

"I wanted to look at the muggle ones," he answered. "Don't really know what certain ones to look for though. I don't really know very much about muggle books."

Lily clicked her tongue and she started to look at the muggle section. "Well luckily, I can help with that." Regulus just kind of stood there awkwardly as she looked at all the options that were available. "Ooh look! This is one of my favorite books! I've read it like a million times."

Regulus walked over to look at the book she was holding. "Pride and Prejudice."

"It's basically a classic muggle book that every reader is required to read at least once in their lives. It's one of my favorites," she explained.

He read the back of the book and it seemed interesting enough, "Yeah, I guess I'll buy it. Thanks for the help, Evans."

"No problem, Black, but now if you don't mind I'm going to go look at the mystery novels." With that Lily disappeared behind some shelves of books.

"What book have you got there?" James's voice asked from behind him.

Regulus turned to look at him. He was still smiling. He literally looked like the human personification of the sun 24/7. "Pride and Prejudice."

"Pride and what?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"You are painfully stupid," Regulus said with an eye roll before he started to make his way to the cashier.

***

Lily and him checked out the books they had bought and the five of them left the bookstore. When they did they came face to face with Sirius. Regulus shot James a glare. Of course he tricked him.

"Regulus? What are you doing here?" Sirius asked his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"Going shopping with your friends," Regulus answered, stating the obvious.

"Yeah I see that... but why? I mean you realize Lily and Mary are Muggleborns? Mother and father won't be please you know. Since that seems what you tend to care about the most."

Regulus gave him an incredulous look. "My best friend is a muggle born in case you didn't notice and for your information, Potter asked me to hang out with them because my friends weren't coming to Hogsmeade today so you can stop being a fucking dick," he snapped.

That certainly shut Sirius up. "You aren't going to say anything to defend me, James?" Sirius asked after a moment of silence.

James bit his lip nervously next to Regulus. "I mean he has a point, Sirius. You really didn't have to bring your parents into this. It was a dick move. I mean we were all having fun. You didn't have to come over and be an arse."

Regulus blinked at James in surprise. Since when did James defend him? Especially when he was calling out Sirius simultaneously.

"But he's always a dick to me, James! Why is it suddenly a problem when I'm mean back."

James seemed to only be getting more mad. "It's a problem because he wasn't being mean just now. He was having fun and he was happy. He told you why he was here and then you started being a dick suddenly. That's the problem."

Sirius just rolled his eyes, "Fuck you, James. You know what, it doesn't even matter what you say it doesn't change the fact that he is just a coward."

"For fucks sake, grow up Black!" Lily said with a scoff. "I'm leaving if anyone wants to come with."

Marlene and Mary quickly followed her and James and Remus reluctantly went too. Regulus just took off in a sprint in the opposite direction. He really needed to get away from Sirius right now. The crunch of gravel behind him reminded him that Sirius was still chasing after him. He turned down some random ally and he just spun around so he was facing and he just lost it. He shoved Sirius against the wall and started to yell at him.

"I told you that you weren't sorry! You said you were and you just did the same thing again! Why do you always do that?!" He yelled as tears streamed down his face. "I- I was actually happy for once. And- and then you just came over and ruined it. I was actually being a fucking Gryffindor once. I was letting myself have what I wanted for once. I- I know I'm not perfect and I'm also a dick Sirius but I'm trying. I'm fucking trying."

Sirius was crying now too. "I know and I'm sorry. I really am this time. I- I just get so bloody mad sometimes and I don't know how to control it. It's fucking terrifying, Reg."

Regulus wiped some tears away from his eyes. "I'm trying to be more like you, but it's scary Sirius. I see what mum and dad do to you because of how you are and I don't want them to do that to me too. I- I don't want to be their perfect son. I just- I don't know how to be anything else. I'm scared, Siri."

Sirius didn't even seem to hesitate, he just pulled him into a hug. Regulus ignored the voices of his parents in his head and he hugged Sirius back. He buried his face into his older brothers shoulder and he just let himself sob there. Sirius just hugged him tighter. "I'm so sorry, Reggie. I'm so fucking sorry. I'm going to help you okay? I promise. We will figure this out together as brothers. Okay?"

Regulus just nodded against his shoulder. "I love you."

"I love you too, Reggie." Sirius rasped out.

His sobs eventually stopped and he pulled back from Sirius. Sirius was the first to speak, "Do you wanna go visit the three broomsticks?"

Regulus sniffled as he wiped his nose on his sleeve. "Didn't you just go there with Remus?"

"Yes, but I could always kill for another butterbeer."

Regulus broke out into a helpless smile. "In that case, yes. Let's go."

They spent the rest of their visit in The Three Broomsticks just talking. When it came time to leave they even rode back to Hogwarts in the same carriage.

If Regulus had learned anything from that day it was definitely that the maybe the marauders weren't as bad as he though they were. I mean James had defended him after all and Lily, Mary, and Marlene were pretty cool. Regulus was just happy to have his big brother back. He needed Sirius in all of this.