Two Blacks Diverged
Author's Note: Okay, just a few things to say. Peter Pettigrew is a character I completely detest, and for the purposes of this story, he was born a Squib, and never came to Hogwarts. He may (or may not) make a minor appearance, later on. You will have questions about Lily; I promise you, it's not a mistake, it will be explained in the fullness of time (or this story). Also, Regulus Black has always fascinated me, and in this story I'm going to devote a lot of time to developing his character. He is absolutely NOT a pushover, he's a Slytherin. In case it isn't clear, this prologue is not of the format the rest will be in: this is the quick background to a story taking place in the 1976-1977 Hogwarts school year, and possibly beyond, if I get enough positive feedback. If this seems not to be your cup of tea, feel free to depart. Otherwise, read, enjoy, and (please?) review.
Prologue
1971
(Regulus's POV)
We are on platform nine and three quarters - Sirius, our parents, and I: Regulus Arcturus Black. Sirius is going to start at Hogwarts School this year; I won't until next. I do wish I could go, both to get to see Hogwarts and to be able to spend time with Sirius, but such wishing is in vain. My Mother is giving Sirius some last-minute warnings about how to conduct himself. I edge my way over the moment she turns to speak to another Pureblood matriarch.
"Siri?" I ask, tugging on the sleeve of his robe. He turns, and smiles fondly at me. "Yes, Reg?"
"Siri, promise me, however many friends you make at Hogwarts, they'll never replace me."
"Of course not, Reg."
"And write to me, please? Tell me about everything. I'll write back."
"I'll write, I promise."
And then he turns and walks onto the train, and I know in my gut that it'll never be the same between us again.
(Sirius's POV)
I get Sorted into Gryffindor. That is the biggest shock of my life, but I know what will follow. Surely enough, Mother dearest sends a howler the very next morning. It is hard to be as brave as one of my newfound House should be and shrug it off - after all, she is the woman who brought me into existence and let me live under her roof for the past eleven years. I've been conditioned to cringe at her displeasure.
The blow of her disappointment is softened, however, by a short note from Regulus, my sweet little brother. He writes:
"Siri -
I hear you are a Gryffindor now. I hope you thought through the consequences of that action, but, assuming you have, I wish you all the best in your new House.
Siri, I don't want to let this come between us. No matter what you do, no matter what our parents say about you, I will love you until you stop loving me.
Good luck surviving the lions, and the snakes as well. Write to me soon and often, like you said you would.
- Reg"
Regulus is someone you can count on to keep his promises and your secrets. To be frank, he's probably the most Hufflepuff-ish Slytherin-to-be I've ever met. However, I just can't see him doing that to our parents - getting Sorted into Hufflepuff, I mean.
James Potter and Remus Lupin, my dorm mates, are really swell guys. They'll make being in Gryffindor a piece of cake for me. Speaking of cake, maybe I can wheedle some from the House Elves. Note to self: find the kitchens A.S.A.P.
(Following Sirius)
The infamous friendship of Sirius Black, James Potter, and Remus Lupin began very soon. While Sirius and James were closer with each other than they were with sickly, book-loving Remus, their penchant for mischief amused him no end, and he more often than not found himself being roped into their activity of the day. His knowledge of advanced spells and spellwork make him a valuable asset to their team, and their loyalty in bringing him his favorite hot chocolate whenever he found himself in the hospital wing cemented their comradeship.
1972
(Sirius's POV)
I'm back at Hogwarts again, yay! I can hardly stand the stuffy House of Black (even though Gryffindor banners now line the walls of my bedroom, courtesy of moi), since I've lived at Hogwarts. It doesn't help that Mother dearest wanted me to stay away from Regulus, and that Father decided that Stinging Hexes were in order for my "disappointment to the House of Black", as Mother called it. I had to resort to sending frequent owls to James and Remus.
I can't wait to start a new year of fun!
Ooh, the Sorting is starting! Regulus is the third to be Sorted, and I hold my breath. I know he'll go to Slytherin; I'm not even sure what I'm hoping for, if my wish were to be granted. Aaand... Yes, there he goes: "SLYTHERIN!" Half of me is glad to see him where he'll be safe, the other half sad that we're not together. He'll be fine, though. He doesn't need me, will be better off without my "bad influence". Somehow, though, it feels like a piece of my heart was just ripped away from me.
"Alright, Sirius?" James inquires. He's noticed me staring off into space.
"Absolutely, James," I answer, casually implying that there never was a reason to ask. Then, because he still doesn't look convinced, I add, "I bet you a Sickle I can drink my pumpkin juice faster than you."
And James grins, and Remus shakes his head but agrees to referee, and it doesn't matter that I spill mine down my robes when I tilt it too fast, and lose a Sickle, because everything is back to how it should be.
(Regulus's POV)
I sneak a glance at Sirius as I'm settling myself down at the Slytherin table. He's studiously avoiding my gaze, and it takes all my willpower to turn away from him and take a seat on the other side so I won't accidentally be caught looking at the "blood-traitor". I don't believe any of that rubbish - honestly, three syllables from a tatty piece of cloth deciding your fate? I don't think so.
The next boy to be sorted also comes to Slytherin, Edgar Bones, and he sits next to me. He's a Pureblood, from a well-respected family, so I have no reason not to publicly interact with him. We introduce ourselves, but don't smile. There are too many people here we don't know, to display such blitheness.
A few minutes later, we're joined by Paul Nott, another Pureblood. Good. I've made two friends who will please Mother, and they're both tolerable. Possibly enjoyable, even. Edgar has an exuberance and brightness which are rare in Slytherin, and Paul's dry sense of humor is pleasant as well. I'll enjoy rooming with them.
The next morning, there's a letter for me from Sirius. It's short, but I think it's sincere.
"Reg -
Good job making Slytherin. I hope you went there because you wanted to, not for Mother and Father; either way, I hope you're happy.
If you need my help in anything, little brother, I am here for you, regardless of House.
- Siri"
I know we're drifting apart, but I'm glad to see that he's making an effort to keep up contact as well.
(Following Regulus)
Regulus Black, Edgar Bones, and Paul Nott formed a bond that transcended cautious Slytherin alliances. The top students in their year, they were well-matched intellectually, and became a formidable team in the Slytherin-Ravenclaw debate nights.
The young Slytherin trio was pranked by the self-dubbed "Marauders", but when they retaliated in kind, the professors formed a united front in nipping the budding prank-war before it could blossom. In protest, the six boys banded together to prank the staff, but were forced apart by House prejudice after only a few instances, much to the teachers' relief.
1973
(Regulus's POV)
I am glad to be going back to Hogwarts, even though Edgar and Paul and I visited each other over the summer. It is fun there, and good preparation for the real world.
I also must admit, it is grating, having to listen to my Mother's rants on blood purity and how much of a traitor my brother is, having to agree, and having to comfort Sirius.
(Sirius's POV)
This year, we are going to be allowed to go to Hogsmeade, and I can't wait. I already have a date, and James, who also shot up in height this past summer (we talked via the two-way mirrors he gave me last Christmas), is interested in that annoying Slytherin girl, Lily Prince. I know she's pretty, but she'll never say yes to him, even if he can get past her greasy guard-dog, Snivellus.
(Following Sirius)
Sirius quickly gained a reputation for being a ladies' man, so to speak, just as James earned his for being hopelessly infatuated with the gorgeous Slytherin "Tiger". Remus evaded his friends' attempts to set him up on a date, alternately citing a disinterest in such "frivolity" and a dedication to his "relationship" with books, a proclamation which never failed to send Sirius and James rolling on the floor laughing.
1974
(Sirius's POV)
This year is going to be great, I can feel it in my bones. Since Remus came out to us last year as a werewolf (cool, no?), we (James and I) are studying to become Animagi. It's hard to study without Remus, but, hey, we're geniuses; and Remus would try and put a stop to it if he found out. To keep him distracted, we've come up with the awesome idea that we should make a map of the entire Hogwarts, and he's so busy researching magical cartography that he'll totally ignore us (or that's the plan, anyway). I can't wait to be able to be there for him.
Aaand, James is still chasing after Lily, so poor little me is all alone when Remus is off doing homework. The girls love keeping me company though, so it's not all bad...
(Regulus's POV)
With Voldemort (a.k.a., "The Dark Lord", "You-Know-Who", and "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named") becoming increasingly prominent, we in Slytherin are becoming divided. I absolutely do not adhere to the blood purity drivel some of them (Paul Nott and faction) have started to spout, but I'm no muggle-lover (Edgar Bones and faction), either. I admire Voldemort's ambition and cunning in forming such a fearsome and dominating persona, but I don't understand the members of my House who wish to serve him. Do they want it for security? To learn his secrets of success? Personally, my own ambition urges me to strike out on a path of my formation, but safely. I am ruminating on what my choices truly are, and collecting a portfolio of news about Voldemort, so that when the time comes, I can make an informed decision.
(Following Regulus)
The Black-Bones-Nott debates were famous throughout Slytherin and Ravenclaw Houses. At one of the fiercest between the still-friends, Regulus's attention was drawn to a Ravenclaw girl his year, Emmeline Vance, who spoke up to support his position with passion and irrefutable evidence. He asked her to Hogsmeade the next day, and she accepted. Regulus asked her to be his girlfriend on Valentine's Day, and she again said yes, sealing their relationship.
1975
(Regulus's POV)
It was hard to stand, the tension on my house, last summer. Sirius looked fit to burst, but he managed to pull through. It was no walk in the park for me, either, both sides doing their best to destroy my neutrality. I had to lie to my Mother's face, and now Sirius suspects I'm lying to him. To tell the truth, such accusations hurt far worse than Father's Stinging Hexes, and it's a pain only words can heal.
I think I swayed Edgar and Paul somewhat, this summer, and my darling Emmeline is perfection. She's beautiful, witty, and kind. I've been torn between asking Father to speak with Lord Vance about a marriage contract, or waiting until I can talk it over with her and hear her opinion. I know it seems soon, but I'll be crushed if she doesn't want to marry me when I do finally ask her.
(Sirius's POV)
I'm utterly ecstatic to be back at Hogwarts. Even the thought of returning to the House of Black is enough to make me contemplate... Taking various drastic measures. The derision my parents exhibit for me was at an all-time high, and I could see the toll it was taking on Regulus. I seriously (and Siriusly) contemplated running away, but I can't stand the idea of leaving my brother to fend for himself.
The Marauders' Map is done, or will be soon, Moony promises, and James and I are oh-so-close to reaching our Animagus forms. I absolutely can not wait!
(Following Sirius)
Sirius found his Animagus form that year, the Grim "Padfoot"; and James, the stag "Prongs". They enjoyed the nights of the full moon with Remus (a.k.a. "Moony"), who was aghast and overcome by the daring and compassion of their gesture.