Disclaimer: While there are some aspects of the Harry Potter story and universe I will be attempting to maintain, this is an AU-story and as such I will be taking liberties with them both.
"Speaking aloud."
"Speaking aloud while emphasizing a word."
"Thinking silently."
§Parseltongue§
Regulus Black III
Chapter 4
1991
Before arriving at Hogwarts, Regulus was positive that his patience would be tested from all the muggles and half-bloods he would need to tolerate whether it be in class or passing through the corridors, but he certainly didn't expect Draco Malfoy to be wearing on his nerves as badly as he had been for the past week. Regulus didn't know if Draco simply felt affronted by Potter declining friendship or it was because Draco himself wasn't the center of attention anymore as was common at the Malfoy home, but there was something about Potter that just sent Malfoy into a fit of ranting and raving that was giving Regulus a headache.
"Famous Potter thinks he's too good for anyone…"
"Look at how he struts about the castle…"
"Did you know he's a half-blood! And he thinks he can just turn his nose up at me?"
Regulus tried to tune Draco out as the remainder of his ravings all began to sound the same. "Are you even listening to me?" Draco had exclaimed and Regulus could only sigh in slight irritation.
"Take a breath and calm down Draco, you're embarrassing yourself" Regulus had replied as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
Draco seemed to want to argue but made the smart decision and shut his lips, looking away from Regulus and tried to appear as though he wasn't just whining like a spoiled brat.
"It would be wise not to publically oppose Potter, he could be as useless as Longbottom but he's got public opinion behind him and drawing that kind of attention to yourself is not something you want" Regulus admonished, and Draco looked very much like he wanted to tell Regulus off for ordering him around, but they both knew between the two of them who the leader was among their group of friends. Although that often never stopped Draco from trying to make a grab for power, his spoiled childhood always rearing its ugly head when Draco got put in his place. Today was no different, for Draco would once again cross the line, Regulus just didn't know it yet.
It had occurred between classes when both Regulus and Draco had crossed paths with Potter, Granger, and Weasley. Draco just couldn't resist making a verbal jab at the Boy-Who-Lived, he just couldn't control his impulsiveness, and more importantly couldn't take heed to Regulus' words.
"I guess like father like son, eh Potter? Already making friends with that mudblood huh?" Draco had nearly spat, his face twisted into a loathing sneer as he looked at the trio of friends.
Weasley's face had turned a shade of red matching his hair and Potter's face had morphed into a scowl, while Granger seemed ignorant of the insult. Regulus himself was upset but for completely different reasons, however he alone was capable of controlling his emotions, his classmates were not.
"Take that back Malfoy!" Weasley had shouted, taking a step forward and trying to intimidate Draco.
"Or what, are you going to gag me to death with the clothes you're wearing? I bet they've been handed down for generations because your family can't afford anything better, they certainly can't afford to wash them if the smell is anything to go by" Draco responded with a hearty laugh, his eyes gleaming at putting down the blood-traitor.
Weasley's temper seemed to make him incapable of voicing a rebuttal, although his face did redden further and his fists clenched.
"Leave my friends alone!" Potter interjected, stepping up beside Weasley.
"You call a blood traitor and mudblood your friends Potter? Well I guess I shouldn't be surprised, your parents made a half-blood like you, so the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree" Draco said, now fully enjoying tormenting them as his laugh echoed throughout the corridor and he seemed to be gathering an audience.
Potter looked as infuriated as Weasley did and Regulus wanted nothing more than to remove himself from the confrontation, but however much Draco often infuriated him Draco was also family and he wasn't about to abandon and subsequently embarrass him.
"Oh think you're brave, do you Potter? Mommy and daddy can't protect you here…oh I forgot, they're dead! And that blood-traitor godfather of yours is probably just as much a fraud as you are" Draco was almost giddy with what he thought to be clever jibes.
Potter looked like he wanted to leap at Malfoy and throttle him with his hands, "I'd take you on anytime on my own. Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel!" Potter said looking beyond livid.
Draco's eyes seemed to brighten and he looked very proud of himself, "Who's your second, because after tonight you'll be simply known as the Boy-Who-Lost" Draco prodded.
"I'm his second!" Weasley nearly screamed as the boy's temper had been festering.
Regulus knew the moment Draco spared him a glance that he wouldn't like the next words that came out of Draco's mouth and he wanted to cover his face in his palm, "Well my second just happens to be the youngest champion for the All-England Jr. Wizarding Duelling Competition and International Jr. Duelling Competition" he said smugly while pointing his thumb at Regulus.
Weasley seemed to lose a bit of steam at that proclamation, but Potter still looked furious, in fact Potter appeared even angrier than before at the mention of Regulus' name.
"Sirius told me all about your family" Potter said with a sneer in his direction as if that meant Potter knew all there was to know about him and his family, all because of the words of some blood-traitor.
Regulus felt like cursing everyone in the vicinity, including Draco. He knew Potter had been riled up quite successfully by Draco, and knew that Potter's anger stemmed entirely from Draco's words, and very much knew that Potter was simply transferring that anger to Regulus because of his and Draco's obvious association with one another, but given that Regulus' patience had been tested that morning and nearly obliterated at that very moment, Regulus couldn't quite help but respond.
"All of Britain knows of Harry Potter, I suppose that means they know who you are then?" he quipped shortly, finding it highly ironic that Potter would presume such a thing. He walked up to Weasley who tensed and looked at him almost frightfully, but the red-head's anger almost covered it up. "Move" Regulus said, very much commanding the blood-traitor out of his way before gesturing with a tilt of his head for Draco to follow him.
As they both walked away, Regulus trying to calm himself while Draco simply took to gloating, "And when Mr. Filch hears about some students that are going to be out past curfew, they'll learn how to treat their betters."
Once out of sight and earshot from any other student, Regulus dragged them both into an empty classroom and shut the door before pushing Draco against the wall, "I will not be dragged into your petty school rivalry. I told you not to oppose him so publically and now you have planted a seed of suspicion in everyone's mind should anything bad happen to Potter. If you are to do anything, you make sure it cannot be traced back to you, your father knows this and yet here you are all but shouting to the entire school that you are his enemy and have taken me along for the ride!" Regulus had scolded.
"What's got you in a twist? Potter thinks he's so much better than us and you're getting cold feet because of what the professors might do?" Draco questioned with confused tone.
Regulus knew that Draco had no clue about his plans and need to remain inconspicuous. Draco didn't know about his parents' history. Draco didn't know that there was more at stake than just a childish rivalry over wounded pride. There were a lot of things Draco didn't know, but it was just like his grandparents always taught him, ignorance is no excuse.
"I'm warning you for the last time Draco, forget your place again and it's not Potter's wand you'll have to worry about" Regulus replied in a low whisper before storming out of the classroom and leaving Draco both scared and surprised. Regulus had ignored Draco the rest of the day, which hadn't gone unnoticed by some of the students.
Professor Snape had held him back after class and informed him that his professors would be testing his knowledge over the weekend and after determining his placement would assign additional homework that was more stimulating. Regulus got the impression that most of his professors took it as a personal affront that their class wasn't challenging a student, a first year at that, and seemed to be gleaming with excitement as they all gave him looks as the weekend was soon approaching.
Professor Flitwick had looked especially pleased when he told both the Slytherin and Ravenclaw students that he thought they were ready to start making objects fly, something that everyone save for Regulus had been dying to try since they'd seen him make several books zoom around the classroom. Professor Flitwick put the class into pairs to practice. Regulus had thankfully been paired with Pansy, as he still wasn't speaking with Draco and frankly didn't want to deal with him at the moment.
"Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practicing!" squeaked Professor Flitwick, standing atop a pile of books as usual. "Swish and flick, remember, swish and flick. And saying the magic words properly is very important too…never forget Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a buffalo on his chest."
The remainder of class had most of them swishing, flicking, and enunciating. Regulus had raised his feather and even made it do tricks on his first try, which seemed to make the charms profession look particularly devious as if the part-goblin was concocting ways to tax the first year in the coming months for having dared to challenge the Hogwart's staff.
The muggle-born had also managed to levitate her feather on the first try, much to his annoyance, and she proceeded to help any of her fellow Ravenclaws who were having difficulty, which was well received by the academically-inclined students. Their appreciation seemed to boost the muggle-born's confidence, Regulus could only grimace in disgust. It was both embarrassing and shameful that not only did a muggle-born exceed over his fellow purebloods in performing the spell, but purebloods and half-bloods were actually asking for pointers from the girl.
Before the weekend could fully arrive however the school was celebrating Hallowe'en with a feast and a much speculated kind of entertainment after the meal. Regulus wasn't particularly in a festive mood though, he never was this day of the year, for it was the anniversary of his mother's death. Rather than surround himself with happy and excited children he instead opted to begin his mission, it certainly felt appropriate to start on today of all days, and his first step began in the school's library. And as determined and focused as he was on succeeding he was rewarded with no results. Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century, Notable Magical Names of Our Time, Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, Modern Magical History, A Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry, and even The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts which he had read years ago, none of them had the information he required on the Dark Lord. Madam Pince had asked him what he was looking for, he simply replied that he was doing research. She had looked at him suspiciously but thankfully hadn't thrown him out as his respect for books seemed to have endeared him to the otherwise unpleasant librarian.
He had left the library, a little more frustrated but all the more focused and determined than when he entered to find the information he was looking for, but as he walked along another corridor a foul stench reached his nostrils. He continued walking wondering what in all that was magical had dared to insult his nostrils and after turning a corner and walking a few more steps a grunting noise had rooted him to the floor. The shuffling footfalls of gigantic feet. As Regulus looked up he noticed something huge was moving towards him. And he cursed fate for what he saw. Twelve feet tall, its skin was a dull, granite gray, a great lumpy body with a small bald head. It had short legs as thick as tree trunks with flat horny feet, reminding him very much of the umbrella stand back home. It was holding a huge wooden club, which dragged along the floor because its arms were so long. The troll stopped about ten yards in front of him, staring at him with a vacant expression. It waggled its long ears, making up its tiny mind, and before it could decide on anything Regulus' brain finally caught up with the situation he found himself in.
"Dammit all to hell" he grumbled before quickly firing green sparks down the corridor he just walked through, hoping someone was able to hear the commotion. The troll seemed distracted by the green sparks which bought Regulus only but a moment to formulate a strategy.
"Spell resistant…eyes are a weakness, might enrage it. Environment then…" he wracked his brain quickly as he examined his surroundings but was soon narrowly ducking towards the ground as the troll had swung the club for his head. He ran around the corner into the corridor he had sent the green sparks and eventually decided on a course of action.
He turned around abruptly, facing the corner where the troll was already lumbering past, a dueling stance taken and his wand aimed high before giving it a point, "Aqua Eructo" and a powerful jet of water burst from the tip of his wand, completely dousing the lumbering troll and flooding the area where it stood in a stupor. Regulus didn't allow the troll a moment to act before pointing his wand once more, "Glacius Tria" and both a combination of frigid cold air and ice shot from the tip of his wand and within seconds froze both the troll and the water that encompassed it and the surrounding area. The troll's brain finally seemed to catch up and it was struggling to break free, the arm carrying the large club swinging wildly in the air, but Regulus maintained the spell. After holding the spell for at least half a minute, he cut off the stream of cold air and ice before taking a few more steps backwards as he caught his breath, cold air filling his lungs as he assessed the situation.
The troll was immobilized quite effectively but the free hand holding the club was still flailing, the occasional impacts it made with the ice slowly making progress in freeing the disgusting creature. Regulus, having heard the droning of his classmates earlier in the day easily realized what spell to use and with a simple swish and flick of his wand he said, "Wingardium Leviosa" and wrenched the club free from the troll's hand before driving his hand downward, swinging the club with great force down onto the troll's tiny head and knocking it unconscious. Not a moment later and he heard, then saw, professors running down the corridor towards him with expressions of shock.
"Figures, now they show up" he thought with a scoff.
Professors McGonagall, Quirrell, and Snape slowed to a halt, all with varied expressions on their faces. McGonagall looked rather angry, Quirrell seemed close to fainting and sat down against the wall, and Snape was quite stoic all things considered. McGonagall was about to speak, in all likelihood admonish him if the white color in her lips was anything to go by, but Snape didn't give her the chance, "Explain yourself" he said with the same tone he used in class.
"I was on my way to the dormitory and this…thing showed up" he said nodding his head towards the frozen and unconscious troll.
Snape quirked an eyebrow, now curious, "Why weren't you in the dormitory already?"
Regulus was a bit confused now, and it likely showed on his face. "I was in the library, you can ask Madam Pince, I just left there" he replied.
Snape seemed to come to a realization, of course Regulus had no clue what he was talking about, "I see. Had you attended the feast, you would have known that a troll was loose in the school, all students were directed towards their dormitories, which is where you will go" his head of house said, leaving no room for argument, not that Regulus would have in the first place, that's where he was headed when the troll got in his way.
However, before he walked but a couple steps away from the trio of professors he heard, "And fifty points to Slytherin, for your cleverness" Snape had said. Regulus looked back at his head of house, but the man was already inspecting the troll, his back turned to the student. McGonagall looked as if she wanted to berate him and dispute the awarded points, but it was obvious Regulus wasn't at fault. Regulus left the scene and arrived back into the dormitory where he surprisingly found almost the entire house sitting or standing in the common room. Regulus noted it was a bit unusual for all of them to congregate at once but merely looked at them curiously.
A silver-blonde haired boy pushed his way through the crowd and it looked like he wanted to hug Regulus, but seemed to remember where they were and who was present, instead opting to contain his relief by asking the question that seemed to be on everyone's mind, "Where were you?" he said loud enough for everyone to hear him, although the volume of his voice was probably in part to his emotions running high.
Regulus let the silence hang in the air for a moment, certainly not for dramatic effect at all, no definitely not. "I told a troll to get out of my way, we couldn't come to an agreement, and as you can see I'm here now" he replied with supreme confidence. He did just incapacitate a troll after all, he deserved a moment to gloat.
His housemates seemed to be in shocked silence and Regulus simply maneuvered his way through the crowd towards his room, Draco hot on his heels. After Draco closed the door to their room he couldn't seem to keep his mouth shut, "When we got back here and found out you weren't here…and you weren't at the feast…that maybe you hadn't gone because of our fight…I-we thought…" Draco had stammered.
That was odd. He had never known Draco to stammer, in fact he had never heard nor seen Draco stammer. He turned around curiously to see the boy with an expression full of concern. Regulus almost forgot about their little row earlier in the day, almost. Regulus quirked an eyebrow, looking at Draco expectantly, and Draco seemed to pick up on what Regulus was waiting for. It took several minutes for Draco to swallow his pride, "I'm sorry" he mumbled.
Regulus frowned, "Sorry, you were murmuring like a peasant. What did you say?"
"I said I am sorry" Draco said succinctly.
Regulus nodded in acknowledgement, his gaze boring into Draco's as they stared at one another.
"But I think you overreacted" Draco continued before turning towards his bed and seemingly preparing for sleep.
Regulus was once again reminded how different he and Draco were raised, he continued to forget because Draco was family, Draco was a pureblood like himself, from one of the few pureblood families he still held respect for, and as childish and irritating Draco could be at times he was admittedly a friend, in all likelihood his closest friend.
"I sometimes might…forget, that we're only children, but there is far more at stake than you realize and you can't act so rashly in the future. I wouldn't tell you something if it wasn't for your own good" Regulus said, now standing behind Draco who turned around and returned his gaze.
It looked like a million thoughts were running through Draco's head, until a smirk crossed his features and with a head tilted backwards, his Malfoy swagger in full effect, he said "Alright, but if you don't learn how to relax and have fun like the children we are, you'll stand out like a mudblood."
Regulus couldn't prevent the chuckle that escaped his mouth before it turned into a full blow laugh as he stood there in astonishment at Draco's very wise words of wisdom, however sporadic he might have them Draco was definitely his father's son. Regulus simply held out his hand, which Draco promptly shook.
"Alright" was Regulus' only reply before he walked away, grabbed some clean clothes, and showered. Upon his return Draco was already in bed and Regulus climbed into his own, their lights going out as they tried to go to sleep.
"So you defeated a full grown mountain troll huh?" Draco asked in the dark.
Regulus smiled, "Yup."
