Chapter One

Regulus Black had just arrived at Hogwarts. His family had warned him against letting the hat sort him into any house aside from Slytherin. They could potentially, begrudgingly, accept a Ravenclaw. But if he was sorted into Hufflepuff or, even worse, Gryffindor the family would begin to treat him the way they have been treating Sirius since his sorting. He did not understand why the house he was sorted in was so important. After all, Sirius was a Gryffindor but he was still Regulus' big brother. Being sorted did not change who he was. But the sorting changed how everyone in the family viewed him, and how they treated him. Regulus was afraid. The house his family lived in was dreadful. It was perfect for their family. They were dark, brooding, cruel, and the house they called home reflected this perfectly. The halls were dark and gloomy, the house elf muttered harsh words against anyone who did not fit the family's views on the perfect wizard. There was often mutterings of Blood Traitors, though Regulus had yet to discover what that meant. Sirius had always shielded him from the yelling and the worst of the bitterness, but after he went to Hogwarts Regulus was left to bear the entirety of it alone. He began to see the family for what it really was; a disastrous, suffocating mess. They constantly referred to themselves as the "Illustrious House of Black" but they appeared more and more like desperate people clinging to the glory of the past rather than embracing the potential of the future. Regulus shook himself from his thoughts as he was ushered into the Great Hall with the other first years. He looked around in awe, gapping at the magnifigance of the room. The four tables filled with students, eagerly awaiting the new arrivals; the candles that seemed to dance as they floated near the ceiling. Finally, they came to a stop before a stool with a rather worn hat sat upon it. Some of the first years looked utterly bewildered by this. Regulus guessed they were muggle born. Suddenly, the hat perked up and started to sing.

"Centuries have come and gone

Since I first took this role,

Students I have guided

As they find their ideal goal.

Four houses here before you,

But only one will hold the true

Key to unlocking your potential,

And guide you in all you do.

To Gryffindor go the bravest of us all,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry leave them standing tall.

To Ravenclaw go those who prize wit beyond the rest,

They search and search for knowledge on their endless quest.

In Hufflepuff hardworkers find a place where kindness abounds,

Their just nature is strong enough to be felt as it resounds.

In Slytherin there are many who are cunning,

Their ambition guides them to a nature that can be stunning.

You will want to know which house will hold your fate,

But worry not for I am here to seek out your strongest trait,

So place me snug about your ears and listen to me well,

I'll look into your wondrous mind and your new home I will tell! "

Regulus clapped mindlessly, stunned by what he had just witnessed. A hat that could think for itself and guide someone to their future was even more impressive in person than in the stories he had heard. The kind, but strict looking professor began reading down the list of names. For once Regulus wished he had a different last name. As much as he was excited to find out where he would be sorted, he dreaded the actual moment. He could end up facing a terrible fate if he ended up anywhere except Slytherin, but at the same time he was not sure if Slytherin would really be the best place for him. He subtly glanced around the room, noticing his older brother sitting at the Gryffindor Table. The table erupted as the newest member, Avery, Jenna, joined them. "Black, Regulus." The professor called. Regulus gulped and stepped up toward the stool. As the hat was placed upon his head he noticed his brother's gaze. "Ahhh what have we here?" A voice said inside his mind. Regulus tried not to jump at the sudden visitor. "No need to worry, just taking a quick peak. Ahhh a brave one are we? But ambitious as well. Potentially cunning, definitely witty…. Hmmmm Difficult. You could do well in Gryffindor, though Slytherin might be a better fit… where oh where should I put you?" The voice muttered. Regulus froze. His mind was torn, as it shouted conflicting arguments. "Gryffindor! Please Gryffindor! I want to be with Sirius!" One part of his mind screamed. "No, Slytherin! I must go to Slytherin! My family will destroy me if I don't!" The other part of his mind screamed. A third, quieter part of his mind asked for peace and quiet. A moment passed before the hat said "Very well… You could do well in either house, though for you I shall have to choose…. SLYTHERIN!" The hat roared out the name, and the Slytherin house erupted with applause. The other houses began to boo, leaving Regulus feeling terrible. As he took his seat at the Slytherin table, he looked toward the Gryffindor table to try to see what his brother thought of all this. To his surprise, Sirius was smiling. His eyes showed disappointment, obviously wanting to be in the same house together as much as Regulus did. But he was not booing. He seemed pleased that the hat had not instantly sorted Regulus. Regulus gave a small smile in return before turning his attention to his new housemates.

Regulus followed his housemates towards the Slytherin Common Room. The Prefect said the password, which Regulus quickly memorized, and they all entered the room. The greens were cool, almost cold. Somehow this room still felt nearly homey to Regulus. Perhaps it was because his own home was always so dark, but this hidden room felt more like home than he had expected. Part of him still longed to be in Gryffindor with Sirius, but he was not disappointed by the splendour of the Slytherin Common Room. Moving towards the boy's dorm, he found a room with the perfect view of the lake. The water shimmered around the room, making it feel like an underwater paradise. Regulus fell in love with the sight of it all! Choosing the bed that gave him the best view of the lake, he started unpacking his things. After putting away a photo of him and Sirius, from before Sirius was sorted, he looked around the room to find he had been joined by three others. The boys made their introductions and became fast friends. To Regulus' left was James Anderson, fellow first year and a half blood. To Regulus' right was Jason Grey, pureblood elitist and haughty first year. Finally, directly in front of Regulus, was Alex Scamander, pureblood though not an elitist and a surprisingly kind first year. These three became the best friends Regulus could hope for. Well, Alex was at least. And James was decent enough. But Jason could be incredibly irritating. He was incredibly self-centred. Regulus liked to find the good in people, so he decided he would be better off befriending Jason. After all, underneath that pompous act could be the soul of someone who is just as terrified as Regulus. Regulus was terrified of becoming like his parents, but he did not want to disappoint them. They were still his parents even if they were rather cruel. Maybe they were getting to him, twisting around his mind, but he could not rebel like his brother. Regulus always thought Sirius was the braver brother. He had no problem striking out on his own and following his own path. Regulus worried that he was holding back Sirius. Every time Sirius was nearing an escape, Regulus would find himself in trouble with his parents and Sirius would rush in and save the day, taking the punishment in Regulus' stead. Regulus became determined to stand on his own. He would not allow himself to trouble Sirius anymore. He decided that from this point on he would follow his parents' will and allow Sirius to make his escape. For once he would be the one making the sacrifice so his beloved brother could be free. He knew there would be no turning back from this choice. He even knew that his brother may grow to hate him, and he would have to pretend the feeling was mutual. But for Sirius to have a chance to leave without fear for Regulus, he would have to believe he was alone. Regulus looked over the picture of his smiling brother as he made this choice. His roommates slept, Jason snoring incredibly loudly. Regulus sighed sadly as he made his resolve. 'Farewell, my dear brother. May you find happiness in your freedom. I only wish I could be there to see you when you are finally free.' He thought to himself as he put the picture away. He hid it in an old journal he kept with him. The initials R.A.B. were engraved on the cover. It had been a gift from his favourite uncle. An uncle he would no longer be allowed to associate with. Regulus knew this would be difficult, but he was determined not to regret his choice. He could not regret it if he wished to see his brother happy once more. Putting the journal away Regulus laid back on his bed to try to sleep.