Author's Note: This takes place during the winter holidays in 1971. Sirius is in his first year, but Regulus has not yet started Hogwarts. Also, Andromeda has already been disowned by her family, so she will not appear in this story.

Regulus was excited to be visiting the Black Manor where his cousins Bellatrix and Narcissa lived, even though he wasn't that close to Bellatrix. He was, however, very close with Narcissa. They had always had more of a big sister and little brother relationship than a cousin relationship.

And to make things even better, the Blacks were holding a big party at their manor on this particular night. All the Pureblood families had been invited, along with many important Ministry officials. Even the Minister of Magic herself was supposed to be in attendance.

The point of the party was to raise money for some important cause. Regulus didn't know what the cause was, but he would take any excuse to eat lots of food and to spend time with Narcissa.

And for a party this important, it was likely that Lucius would be in attendance as well. Regulus had always admired Lucius's aristocratic grace, and he considered Lucius one of the best models possible for proper Pureblood behavior.

As they approached the gates leading to Black Manor, Regulus glanced over at his older brother, Sirius.

Unlike Regulus, Sirius was not at all pleased about having to go to this party.

"I still don't see why I have to go," Sirius whined. "I don't want to go to this stupid party."

"Shush, Sirius," their mother scolded sternly. "We are here to raise money for an important cause, and I expect you to be on your best behavior for once."

Regulus wanted to ask what the importance cause was, but he knew that neither or his parents liked him or his brother speaking without permission. It was considered rude and improper.

"Like you actually care about the cause," Sirius told his mother mockingly.

Did Sirius know what the important cause was? Was Regulus the only one without a clue?

Regulus's thoughts were interrupted when Walburga Black slapped Sirius across his face. It wasn't as hard as she was capable of slapping (and it wasn't hard enough to leave much of a mark; they were, after all, on their way to a party), but it was still hard enough to make a loud sound.

And it was still enough to cause Regulus to wince in fright. At that moment, he really was glad that he was such a good little boy and that he rarely got into any trouble with his parents.

"Watch your mouth," Walburga snarled at Sirius.

"Yes, Mother," Sirius responded, his voice no longer showing any signs of its previous cockiness.

Sirius was even more humbled by the hard glare that his father gave him.

"You better not do anything to embarrass us tonight, boy," Orion Black hissed dangerously.

"I won't, Father," Sirius promised.

It was clear that Sirius no longer wanted to be the center-of-attention. At least not for the current moment.

The family continued to walk, in utter and complete silence.

Then, they finally reached the gates.

"State your names and purpose," the gates spoke.

"Orion, Walburga, Sirius, and Regulus Black," Orion said. "We are here for the party tonight."

The gates swung open. The four Blacks then walked down the pathway until they had reached the front door of the manor.

Orion knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened.

A house-elf stood in the doorway.

"Master Black, Mistress Black, and two young Master Blacks," the house-elf greeted, "welcome to Black Manor. Come in."

The house-elf then stood aside so that the four Blacks could enter.

As Regulus passed by, he grinned at the house-elf, who looked to be about as old as Kreacher.

The house-elf, who had been greeted before by Regulus's friendly grins on previous visits, gave the boy a deep bow.

"Why did you do that?" Sirius hissed at his younger brother, making sure to keep his voice low enough so that neither or their parents would hear.

"I like house-elves," Regulus answered simply. "They do such a wonderful job serving us. Smiling at them is the least that we can do."

"Whatever," Sirius replied, rolling his eyes. "I would never bother with any of that. That house-elf is as unpleasant as Kreacher."

Regulus frowned. He had never understood his older brother's hatred of their loyal house-elf. Kreacher was old. Of course he couldn't be expected to be lively and cheerful all of the time.

They stopped right outside the ballroom. Walburga turned to face her two sons, even though her eyes were focused fully on Sirius.

"Remember, behave yourself," she reminded her oldest son harshly.

"I will, Mother," Sirius replied respectfully. However, as soon as his mother's back was turned, he rolled his eyes.

It never took Sirius long to recover his cocky, rebellious attitude.

And with that, the four Blacks finally entered the ballroom.