Author's Notes
-it's been months and i'm sorry but i do hope that you guys enjoy this chapter.
-there's some french in the chapter, i'll tell you what it means at the end but be wary i don't speak french and did in fact use google translate.
October 28, 1975
06:52:58
Slytherin Dorms
Time is a scary concept. No one truly can say that they understand it and that scares Regulus. Because at only fourteen years old, he understands everything in his mind. He's smarter than the regular fourteen year old, and not understanding something scares him. It makes him feel dumb, and he doesn't want to feel dumb. But he's scared of it. Of time. Because no matter what, it will always be unknown and not constant. Sometimes he feels paralyzed by it. Sometimes he feels rushed by it. It's never the same.
Regulus Arcturus Black is a special kid. But he doesn't feel special. At least not in a good way. He's the son of one of the richest families in the Wizarding World, he's one of the smartest kids if not the smartest in his year, he's an amazing seeker for the Slytherin Quidditch team (probably the best seeker at Hogwarts), he has a couple of the teachers wrapped around his finger, and he has three absolutely amazing and loyal friends. He's special.
Detention last night was horrible for Regulus. He went straight to his dorm room, right to the bed he was currently in right now and fell asleep. It's usually hard for him to fall asleep but last night he was out almost instantly. Probably because he had been cleaning trophies for about three hours but he thinks it's because of the spell he used. The spell he used wasn't taught at Hogwarts and it was a Dark Spell. He saw his father use it once and he learned it. To protect himself, but he didn't know what he was protecting himself against.
It was time for Regulus to start his day so he stood up from his bed and took a deep breath. It was only Tuesday so the week was nowhere near ending. Regulus looked over and saw Barty getting ready for his day too.
Barty noticed Regulus and stopped. "You didn't go to practice today?" Barty asked.
Regulus shook his head and walked to their bathroom. Tuesdays morning the Slytherin Quidditch team booked the field for practice. And every Tuesday since the second of the term, Regulus walked to the Quidditch pitch at six with the rest of the Slytherin team and he practiced with them.
But today, he couldn't do it. Not because something drastic has happened. He just couldn't handle practicing outside, especially since there was still fog from yesterday.
Regulus walked past the fountain that was in the middle of the green atmosphere and opened the door to their bathroom. The bathroom was completely dark. There were no windows and the only lights were candles that you had to light every time you walked in and blow out every time you left.
"Incendio!" Regulus said and flames erupted from his wand and lit the candle closest to him. He pointed his wand at the other six candles and lit those too.
He walked to the mirror and looked at himself. He raised his hand to fix his hair and he noticed a bruise on his left arm. Mostly on his west. He stopped and stared at the bruise for a few seconds. James fucking Potter! The dude was so strong he bruised Regulus without either of them realizing it. Regulus was going to have to walk around with a bruise on his wrist for the rest of the day.
Regulus took a quick shower, with basically boiling water and brushed his teeth. He fixed his hair up and put on his clothes. Regulus never wore his robe to class and everyone's okay with it. Most people don't wear their robes to class. Regulus was wearing a white button up with his Slytherin tie (because those were required). He put on some black pants and his black doc martens. He then grabbed a dark green and black turtleneck and put it on over his shirt making sure his tie was visible.
Regulus walked out of the bathroom and made his way to the Slytherin common room. Barty was sitting at a table finishing an assignment and Regulus walked over to him. Regulus stood behind the boy and saw Barty was doing Ancient Studies homework, which they had right after breakfast. Barty was obviously struggling. It was obvious. Regulus sighed and went to their dorm room. He grabbed his bag and took out his Ancient Studies homework, walked back down and gave the assignment to Barty.
Barty at first looked surprised by the paper and once he realized what it was a smile swept his face. "Thank you so much Reg!" he said, turning around to hug the boy. Regulus pushed him away.
"I knew you weren't going to get it done in time," Regulus said. Some might think that was rude but it's true. Barty procrastinates and he usually doesn't get shit done in time. So Regulus helps him out whenever he can. Regulus walked out of the Slytherin common room and he was now in the dark, cold hallways outside of the house's quarters.
He made his way through the dungeons until he was in the entrance hall. As if it was a sign, the Slytherin Quidditch team walked through the oak doors with the captain Corban Yaxley, leading them all. Regulus thought about quickly running to the Great Hall but he knew that Yaxley would see him so it was no use. Corban had white hair (like that of the Malfoys but actually white), that was slicked back and he had dark brown eyes that almost looked black.
He walked over to Regulus, obviously angered as he was practically stomping towards the boy. "Where the hell were you?" Corban asked.
"I slept in," Regulus said, simply starting to walk toward the Great Hall. Corban quickly grabbed the boy's wrist and turned him around to look at him.
"You were supposed to be at the fucking practice!" Corban practically yelled. "Everyone is supposed to be at practice. It's mandatory!"
"Well I didn't feel good, so I didn't fucking go," Regulus said starting to get defensive. He wasn't going to let someone yell at him. Corban was starting to tighten his grip on Regulus. "Now get your hands off of me."
"You are so fucking full of yourself. Next time I won't be so nice. I better see you at practice during lunch," Corban said, letting the boy go. He walked the opposite way and went to the dungeons. Regulus walked into the Great Hall and saw that there were only a few students in. Most people went to breakfast at like 7:30 despite breakfast ending at 7:50.
Regulus looked at the Gryffindor table and saw James sitting with Sirius, Remus and some other guy. He sat down in the middle of the Slytheirn table and sighed. He was about to grab some eggs when someone put their hands over his eyes.
"Guess who," the person said. Regulus could smell her strawberry perfume and smiled.
"Pandora I know it's you," Regulus said. "You're the only one who would dare do that."
Pandora then sat down next to Regulus and put her head on his shoulder. Pandora, Barty & Evan were Regulus' closest friends. They were the only people he was really open to and he loved each and every one of them. He keeps his circles small though so most of Pandora's friends don't like Regulus.
"Did you do the Ancient Studies assignment?" Pandora asked the boy as she grabbed a piece of bacon from his plate.
"Yeah, Barty has it right now though because he didn't do it," Regulus told the girl whose long blond hair smelled extremely sweet.
"Of course Barty didn't do it," Pandora said.
"What about Barty?" Barty asked as he and Evan walked over to their spot at the long table.
"Typical of you to not do your homework," Pandora said. She picked her head up and was now actively listening to whatever bullshit was going to come out of Barty's mouth.
"I finished it, so what are you talking about," Barty said, as he handed Regulus his assignment back. Regulus grabbed the paper and put it back into his bag, making sure that he also had his homework for Alchemy, History of Magic and Astronomy.
"Thirty minutes before class starts," Pandora said. "That's extremely irresponsible." Regulus agreed with Pandora but he wasn't going to say anything because he truly didn't care. As long as Barty was okay with it, he was okay with it.
"It doesn't really matter," Barty said. "I got it done before class started didn't I?"
"Yeah but-"
"Exactly! So no harm has been done," Barty said. Evan smiled and then held his hand out for Barty to high five.
"It's still irresponsible," Pandora said. Regulus looked at the teacher's table and saw Severus talking with Professor Slughorn. Even though they were in the same house, Regulus hated Severus and Severus hated Regulus. They never got alone and they usually tried to stay away from each other. But as Regulus was looking at the boy with greasy, black hair Severus looked at him as well. Regulus saw the black eyes among the hall and Severus looked at him. He had a crooked smile on his face and then walked away from Professor Slughorn. Severus was such a kiss ass and teacher's pet. He never got in trouble with Professor Slughorn despite being a complete and utter piece of shit. He's also a follower and everything that Regulus despises.
"Hey, Earth to Regulus," Pandora said. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Regulus said.
"Then answer my question," Pandora said. "How do we know if we're actually existing?" Pandora always asks these types of questions. Questions that actually make you think, because there's never a right answer. Sometimes she even stole the riddle to get into the Ravenclaw common room and asked random people who were in every house beside that one.
"I said because we can literally see ourselves," Barty said. "I mean I know I'm alive because I feel alive."
"Yeah but I think it's because we can use our senses. I can see myself, smell myself, touch myself, taste myself and hear myself," Evan told the three. Pandora turned from looking at the other two, to now looking at Regulus.
"So, Reggie," Pandora asked. "What's your answer?"
"Cogito ergo sum."
Both Evan and Barty looked confused and Pandora smiled. "I've asked everyone that I've ran into today and you're the first person to say that!" Pandora said excitedly. She started to hug Regulus tightly. "This is why you're my best friend!"
"Um what does cold ghetto eggo sum mean?" Evan asked.
"Cogito ergo sum," Regulus said. "I think therefore I am. It's Latin."
"Basically it means that because we can think and have a conscience we are able to be self aware and realize that we're existing," Pandora said, explaining it to Evan and Barty. Evan and Barty exchanged looks. They still didn't understand what the hell Pandora meant.
When Breakfast was over the four left the Great Hall and went to their first class.
October 28, 1975
08:17:07
Ancient Studies Classroom
"The topic of the ancient Egyptian pyramids could cover an entire year, however we will do our best to squeeze the most important knowledge into one class. We will start off with some basic facts about the pyramids, and then delve into a bit about their lesser known history and a bit about real Egyptian curses," Professor Estrella said. Regulus was now in Ancient Studies and Professor Estrella was going on about Egypt. Regulus wasn't really interested in Egypt or the class. In fact he would rather have taken Care of Magical Creatures but Walburga wasn't going to let him. He had to do things that were practical and taking care of beasts and whatnot wasn't practical as Walbruga and Orion said. He met Pandora while in the class though, so he wasn't exactly upset that he had the class. Especially since he had someone with him. Of course Barty was there but Evan wasn't. Evan's parents forced him to take Divination because his grandmother was a Seer, but Regulus didn't really care for Divination so much. It's not like it was extremely important.
Professor Estrella went on. "I am certain that you have all heard of curse-breakers, but most of you have probably not heard about the Gringotts Census of Pyramids. Established in an undetermined year (the goblins are rather stingy when divulging information about their operations), the Gringotts Census has formally documented all pyramids around the world and classified them into four categories." She began to write on the board Level 1: GGD - Greatest Gold and Danger; Level 2: GDU - Gold, Danger, Uncleared; Level 3: GDC - Gold, Danger, Clearing in Progress; Level 4: CMD - Cleared for Muggle Discovery (No gold).
Regulus continued listening but only half-heartedly. He knew what they were talking about (curses, poisons, hieroglyphics, mummies for a short time, and even more about pyramids). His mind drifted. To everything beside Egypt. The Quidditch match this Saturday; the dance that was also on Saturday and that he was going with Pandora; the test that was coming up in Ancient Studies and also
Potter. James Potter having him pinned on the floor in the trophy room. James Potter bruising him. James Potter beating him in Quidditch. James Potter.
After Ancient Studies, Regulus, Barty and Pandora met up with Evan outside of Alchemy. That was their next class which was truly a favorite of Regulus. Regulus remembered the first time he had Alchemy, and one of the first things the Professor (Professor Serafina) said. "While alchemy is about transmuting elements, there is also a greater purpose behind it. It's a spiritual adventure - not one relating to religion, but one about finding your spirit."
He always goes back to that first lesson. He wants to find his spirit but he doesn't know how he's going to do that.
The four walked into the class and sat down in the back of the classroom. They took the back of the classroom during their first class last year. And ever since then they've just taken over it.
"Francis, did you talk to Rene about going to the dance?" Pandora asked. Pandora was quite the social butterfly and even though Regulus is her closest friend and he is hers, almost everyone knows her and are at least acquaintances with her. She was currently talking to two other Ravenclaws as Regulus, Barty and Evan sat down.
Professor Serafina was sitting at the front of the classroom writing on something. She was a tall, blonde woman from Sweden. Her accent was quite funny sometimes but after being in her class for an entire year, Regulus started to get used to it. The bell had rung a couple of minutes ago but she still hadn't started teaching. It wasn't until everyone sat down and was now quiet that she began.
"Hello! I see all of you are excited about where we're going this week on our travels. Well hold on to your togas because we will be taking a trip to the lovely land of Greece!" she exclaims and pauses for a few seconds before softly laughing, "I'm just kidding. We haven't left Egypt. In fact, we will be staying there for a bit longer than intended.
"I know you're all wondering, 'But Professor, this is Greek alchemy. Why are we still in Egypt?' Simply enough, most of Greek alchemy happened when the Greeks took over Egypt and it flourished there. The technical term is Hellenistic alchemy, which started when Alexander the Great arrived and became pharaoh in 332 B.C.E.
"Let's backtrack for a second. Remember how we talked about the god, Thoth, last lesson? It's said that he kept all of his writings in two pillars before the Great Flood covered the world. These pillars were rediscovered around a thousand years later and moved to the Temple of Amun, the oldest temple in Egypt. One pillar was described to be made of pure gold while the other was made out of emerald. The Greeks called these pillars the Pillars of Hermes as Hermes was the Greek name for Thoth. An Alexandrian scribe named Manetho recorded that the pillars held 36,525 manuscripts written by Thoth. This is the exact number of days in 100 years, which is a very important number to the Egyptians as it symbolizes perfect completion."
Regulus thought about 100 years in the future. That would be 2075 and that seemed so far away. It seemed almost impossible to even think of life during that time. Regulus missed a couple of points between but he continued to listen nevertheless.
"Alchemy flourished around the beginning of the new millennium, however when things rise up, they must come down. There was a conflict between the Egyptian co-rulers Cleopatra and her brother, Ptolemy XIII. Julius Caesar, the Roman ruler, went to resolve the conflict in 48 B.C.E. and named Cleopatra as the sole ruler. Ptolemy was obviously not happy about this predicament and blockaded the port of Alexandria. War broke out within the country and the Great Library of Alexandria caught fire. Approximately 400,000 manuscripts were lost in the fire and the remaining 300,000 were moved to Serapeum, an adjoining temple, as well as 'the Museum,' a center made for scholars."
The rest of Alchemy was actually pretty fun. They continued to talk about Alexandria and she made the class do a fun activity where they went outside and tried to destroy a bust that was protected by Ancient Magic
The four left the classroom and made their way to lunch. Regulus and Evan had another practice today during lunch but that one was pretty much optional. They never go to that one. The four stopped in the entrance hall. Pandora and Barty went into the Great Hall to eat lunch while Regulus and Evan stood in the entrance hall.
"He was really angry this morning," Evan told Regulus. Regulus wanted to say trust me I know but he didn't. "I think I'm going to go."
"Okay," Regulus said. Evan smiled and started to walk toward the large oak doors to open them and go to the Quidditch pitch. Evan looked to the side of him and then behind him and stopped.
"What are you waiting for?" Evan asked.
"Oh I'm not going," Regulus clarified. "Have fun though."
Regulus turned around and made his way to the basements. Before he could even go though he was stopped by a Ravenclaw Fifth year. The student gave him a letter. He looked at the Ravenclaw with questions.
"It's from Slughorn," she said and then she started to walk away. He opened the letter and started to read.
Dear Mr. Black
I understand that you probably don't want to read this but once again I must give you a detention. Because you have to do your homework as well I would ask you to meet James Potter, McGonagall and myself in the Potions classroom so that we can give you your next task. This task ought to be fit for two Quidditch players like yourselves. I shall see you at Five Mr. Black.
-Professor Slughorn
Regulus read the letter and then he put it into his bag. Another detention with Potter. Perfect!
The Hufflepuff common room was in the basement and honestly he didn't hate them but he didn't like them either. He walked past the common room which had a group of Hufflepuffs surrounding it. He made it to a painting of fruit and he tickled the pear. The painting practically jumped off its hinges and Regulus walked into the Hogwarts kitchens. He was immediately greeted by a couple of house elves. They were all walking up to him, demanding to fix him things and offering him stuff. He just ignored it and sat down with a few of the house elves at the cooking table underneath the Slytherin table.
Regulus loved going to the kitchens. It offers him refuge or happiness even when he's having the worst day. The house-elves are the main reason. Especially since some of them talk with Kreacher. Whenever he feels too lonely, even among his friends, he goes to the kitchen, moves over to the fire and has one of the elves call Kreacher.
But today he didn't really want to talk to Kreacher. He just wanted to enjoy his time in the kitchens with the other elves. He started to think about Walburga. Thinking about the last time he saw her. It was the night before they had to board the Hogwarts Express. There was an argument.
August 31, 1975
19:05:49
12 Grimmauld Place: The Most Ancient & Noble House of Black
Regulus woke up from his nap. Rain was coming down and the cracks of the thunder were loud enough to break your eardrums. Regulus felt stupid. He hadn't meant to take a nap. He was just so drained from the morning that he couldn't help but fall asleep. That morning was the funeral. His Grandmother Irma had died at the beginning of August and Walburga planned for the funeral to be at the end of the month. Walburga didn't cry at all when she found out. And neither did Regulus or Sirius or Orion. Death usually rocks worlds upside downs but the Black household went on doing their usual.
Regulus walked out of his bedroom and saw Sirius walking down the stairs. He couldn't catch him but it's not like he exactly wanted to. Regulus waited a few seconds before he started walking downstairs. He only went down one flight before he stopped. He saw Kreacher walking out of his moldy cupboard and waited for him to exit.
"Hey Kreacher," Regulus said,
"Hello Master Black," Kreacher said in his deep, gruff, but shrill voice. "Would you like me to freshen up your room?"
"No, Kreacher, I'm fine," Regulus said. Regulus smiled at the house-elf and then he started to walk downstairs once again. He heard a small & faint pop that told him that Kreacher had just apparated. The ground floor of 12 Grimmauld Place was a quite weird floor. There was just a skinny hallway, and two rooms. A dining room and a bathroom. The Black Household almost never used that dining room. There was no use since it's just the four of them. That was for special occasions and special occasions only.
Regulus heard clutter down in the kitchen and he walked to the basement and saw Walburga, Sirius and Kreacher in the kitchen getting prepared for dinner.
"Oh, you're down here now," Walburga said as if she hadn't expected her son to come down. As if she kind of hoped that he wouldn't come down. "Come help Marcel set the table."
"Please don't call me that," Sirius said. Walburga loved to call both of her sons by their middle names. Regulus didn't mind but Sirius hated it. And he was vocal about that hate.
"I shall call you whatever it is I desire," Walburga said in her cold voice. "You aren't in any position to make demands."
Sirius rolled his eyes and then walked out of the kitchen. Despite only half the table being set. Regulus watched as his brother left and as rage filled his mother's eyes. Regulus continued to set the table because he didn't want any issues with Walburga. He knew that Sirius had just started an argument and Sirius might even get hurt because of it.
"Je jure que je vais le déchirer membre par membre et le nourrir aux loups," Walburga said under her breath. Walburga was famous for speaking in French around her sons or people she didn't like. Neither Sirius nor Regulus knew French fluently like her but Regulus knew a bit. He knew enough to know that she had said something about feeding Sirius to the wolves.
"Regulus, I'm going to entrust you with some information. Information from the source itself," Walburga said walking over to her son who was just as tall as her. She put her hands on his shoulders and started to rub them. Walburga's arms were cold and wrinkly. Regulus hated her touching him but she constantly did it. "The Dark Lord is asking us to round up house-elves for him. He needs them for something. And I know that you and Kreacher have a special relationship. So I need you to convince him to bring house-elves to the Dark Lord."
"Why does he need them?" Regulus asked.
Walburga took a minute to answer. "Let's call it a bit of sacrifice. They'll love it."
"No they won't."
"Yes," Walburga said through gritted teeth. "They will. The Dark Lord will make sure of that."
Regulus removed himself from Walburga's grip. He couldn't believe her. "So are you going to send Kreacher off to get murdered?"
"If the Dark Lord requires Kreacher, then I shall give him Kreacher," Walburga said, starting to raise her voice. "Just as you will and Sirius."
"No! You can't just kill innocent house-elves because some random dude wants to experiment with his life!"
"This isn't some random dude!" Walburga yelled. She started to walk closer to Regulus and Regulus felt small. Despite him being the same height as the woman she felt so much bigger than him. That she was this giant bully and he was some small, defenseless weak victim. "The Dark Lord deserves your utmost respect! And his sacrifices are beneficial for all of us!"
"Except his sacrifices aren't his! He's sacrificing others!" Regulus said. This was the first time he had ever yelled at his mother. That was a Sirius thing to do. Not Regulus. "He's sacrificing house-elves who can't even defend themselves."
"Regulus Arcturus Black! Shut your mouth!" Walburga yelled.
"It's not fair. You haven't even seen him in years so how do you know what he wants!" Lord Voldemort has been in hiding since Regulus' third year. He was almost murdered by Aurors when they ganged up on him. He went into hiding and he's been trying to build his army up for the time being.
"Regulus!"
"I'm just saying that if he wouldn't sacrifice himself for us, we shouldn't sacrifice ourselves for him!"
SLAP!
Regulus fell to the ground and didn't know what the hell happened. He looked up at his mother who was standing over him like a statue. She walked away. Muttering in French but he couldn't hear what she had been saying. Regulus stayed on the ground for about five minutes. He didn't know what to do.
That night Regulus didn't eat dinner. He stayed in his room until the next morning when he made his way to Hogwarts. But that night his father walked into his room and disciplined him. They had a conversation because Orion wasn't as bad as Walburga. It was awkward for the both of them but Walburga forced it onto them. But that night is still burned into Regulus' memory. It wasn't the first time that Walburga hit him or Orion was forced to talk to him. But it was the first time that he talked back. The first time he wasn't a coward. And despite him being in pain the next day he was still proud of himself.
October 29, 1975
17:02:04
History of Magic Classroom
Regulus and James were standing in the History of Magic Classroom waiting for McGonagall and Slughorn to get there. They were currently waiting with Professor Binns who was sitting behind his desk doing nothing but muttering. Yesterday they were forced to reorganize the Potions storeroom which honestly wasn't as bad. It was easy for Regulus because Potions was a walk in the park for him and he loved being in there. Barty had to grade with McGonagall again and he said that she wouldn't let him put his quill down for anything. Evan and Sirius continued to clean out the Hippogriff stables, which showed to be a particularly difficult and gruesome task.
Slughorn and McGonagall walked into the room. They were both having a conversation. They stopped right in front of the two boys; Slughorn in front of Regulus and McGonagall in front of James.
"Day Two of your punishment," McGonagall said. "I hope yesterday made you realize just how irresponsible and careless your actions were. Today I wish to show you just how you made everyone else feel because of your public display of idiocy."
"The two of you will be taking all of the books in this classroom, moving them to the classroom across the hall, cleaning the area that the books were in and then bringing the books back. Professor Binns will come to check on your progress whenever he feels the need to."
"You two can start now," McGonagall said. "Once you're done then you can go back to your common rooms. Oh and also, hand your wands over." Regulus took his wand out of his pocket and put it into Slughorn's hand. James did the same thing. The two professors walked out of the room and Professor Binns floated through his chalkboard which left the two boys alone in the room to get the job done.
James pulled out a wand and Regulus smiled. "I see I've taught you a few things."
"I mean, it just came to my attention that I have just as many friends as you, if not more. So I figured that one of them wouldn't mind letting me borrow their wand for a few hours," James said.
"Do you always follow the white rabbit?" Regulus asked.
"What makes you think you're a white rabbit?" James asked him as he started to walk over toward him. Regulus didn't move back or feel threatened. He just laughed.
"I don't know. It just feels right," Regulus told him. "I mean you aren't the white rabbit and someone has to be it so who better than me."
He took out Barty's wand and pointed it toward the books. "Wingardium Leviosa!" About three books rose from the shelf and he started walking with it out of the room. He heard James doing the same thing. He smiled once again because just like with the wand situation James is following Regulus. That's his impact.
The detention wasn't that bad honestly. Professor Binns hadn't checked on them once and the two got it done fairly fast. They did take a break between their cleaning though because it was still a bit tiring.
"We should stop and take a break," Regulus said.
"Damn, I knew you were weak but I didn't think it was that bad," James said teasingly.
"If we finish too fast they're going to know that we had wands idiot. I mean I know you're used to that but we still have to play it safe," Regulus said.
"I'll pretend I know what you just said," James said sitting down on the edge of the classroom. Regulus smiled and sat on the other side of the classroom. "Are you ready for the game?" James asked.
"I mean I guess," Regulus said. In all honesty he wasn't ready for the match. He would actually have to play against Gryffindor and the last time he did that he got hit by a bat because of one of their beaters. Also he has a lot on his shoulders. He has to win this for Slytherin "We're going to win no matter what so you shouldn't even try."
James let out an almost hysterical laughter. Regulus didn't know if it was genuine or if he was just being patronizing by exaggerating his laugh.
"You guys-" he said pointing at Regulus' robes, "-Are going to beat us? The thought of that is unfathomable."
"Look at you using big words," Regulus said. James laughed and then stood up.
"I absolutely despise you."
"Likewise," Regulus said with a grin on his face. After about ten minutes the two continued to clean the shelf and then they brought the books back into the classroom. McGonagall and Slughorn told them that they would be done at nine. But they finished the task in an hour and thirty minutes.
"So should we wait here until nine when they come back?" Regulus asked.
"I have something to do so I can't stay," James said, picking up the wand he was borrowing.
"What?" Regulus asked. Regulus wouldn't call himself nosy, he would just say he was a curious person. Inquisitive if he wanted to impress someone. But he usually minds his own business.
Regulus was expecting James to be like 'it's none of your business' or for him to simply just ignore him but when James responded with, "I'm sneaking into Hogsmeade, because I have to get some stuff for the Halloween party," Regulus was definitely surprised.
"You're not going to tell anyone, are you?," James asked.
"No," Regulus said, getting up and then looking at a list of important historical figures. But then he thought. He still had a couple of hours too. He didn't exactly want to stay in the classroom for two and a half hours but he didn't want to go back to the Slytherin common room either. Especially since they were supposed to be in the room until nine. "Hey, do you think I could come with you?"
James stopped moving and looked at Regulus. "Wait- what?"
"Could I come. I don't want to be stuck in this room for almost three hours," Regulus said, starting to walk slowly toward James.
"You want to sneak into Hogsmeade with me?" James asked, in disbelief. It was evident that he didn't believe Regulus' proposition.
"No, I want to sneak into the Gryffindor tower with you. Of course I want to sneak into Hogsmeade with you. But how are we going to do it?"
James was still shocked but he was able to get out, "well there's a secret passage to Hogsmeade right outside this classroom. I was going to go through it and walk back."
"Well we better get going," Regulus said walking toward the door.
"Wait, we have to wait for my friend," and as if he was listening to James, Peter Pettigrew walked into the room with cloth and a piece of parchment. He looked at James and then noticed Regulus. Regulus went back to his cold stare, which he didn't even realize he had gotten rid of. Peter started to tremble and then he walked over to James.
"Um, here's the map and the cloak," Peter said. He handed him both of the objects and James embraced him in a hug. When James let go Peter added, "Don't be a dummy."
"I'm literally incapable of being that," James said. Peter chuckled and then walked out of the room. James then followed suit and Regulus did the same. Instead of going the way that would lead to the Great Hall, the two went another way. They walked a couple of minutes and made it to a large painting filled with lions, elephants and zebras. James then took the wand he had and tapped one of the lions. The painting opened up and they were now in front of a large walkway.
"Where does this lead?" Regulus asked. He didn't want to go into a secret passageway without knowing where it would lead him. There is still tension between the Gryffindors and Slytherins and Regulus couldn't trust a Gryffindor much less James Potter.
"I think it leads into Madam Puddifoot's," James said, bending down and walking into the passage. Regulus had a choice. He could either go or stay back and he wasn't staying back so he put one leg over the wall into the passage and the next one. The painting closed behind him.
No matter how much hesitation he would have or how much he wanted to go back Regulus was now stuck with James Potter in a secret passageway to Hogsmeade. James walked really fast so Regulus had to walk quickly so that he could catch up and wouldn't be behind.
Regulus has never snuck out of Hogwarts. Sure he sneaks into other places in Hogwarts almost everyday but he never sneaks out. This was something new for him and even though he loves to put on a cold, mean bad boy façade he follows the rules as best as he can.
Regulus felt as if they were walking for an eternity before they made it to Madam Puddifoot's. James opened a latch and Regulus followed him through it. They were in the backroom of the tea shop. Actually no, it wasn't a backroom. It seemed like a waiting room. There were stairs leading up into what he guessed was Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. Regulus had never been back here before. He didn't even know this was here.
"And welcome to Hogsmeade Underground," James said, as if Regulus was entering an entirely new world and James just so happened to be his guide. Although instead of being old, knowledgeable, and powerful he was young, an idiot and practically a lost cause. "I bet you didn't know this, but there are tunnels running all around Hogsmeade. Underneath all the stores. Only a few people know about this and I just so happen to be one of them."
James began to walk through the tunnels and Regulus followed once again. Now Regulus felt like he was the one following the white rabbit. While they were walking James continued to talk. "They built this after Hogsmeade became a sort of tourist destination. It's so that the store owners could easily transport their things and not have to actually go outside. Especially during the colder months. And this is how the troublemaking in Hogsmeade commences."
James continued to talk about the tunnels and walking while Regulus was only a few steps behind him. Regulus was listening but only half heartedly. He was staring at the back of James' head. His hair was amazing. Even though it was completely messy. In the Black Household it would be cut the minute it started to get out of hand but it gave Regulus a feeling. As if hair wasn't as important to James. That he has other and better things to worry about. But it intrigued Regulus. It made him want to touch it. To smell it.
Then he started to look at James' back. He was only wearing a skinny sweatshirt and so Regulus could definitely see how strong his back looked. Regulus is a Quidditch player but he doesn't look half as strong as James. He's probably just as good of a Quidditch player as James but he's not built like that. It's not that he wants to be, he just doesn't understand how James is. And yet once again he was intrigued by the boy. Exactly how strong was James Potter. How does his back feel? Why does Regulus want to touch it?
"We're here," James said, snapping Regulus out of his trance. Regulus looked up and saw a sign that read Madam Jolene's Diner. James walked up the stairs and Regulus followed. They made it into the kitchens of the diner and James walked through the messy and convoluted plethora of ovens, sinks and fridges and walked up the stairs which Regulus guessed led to Madam Jolene's house.
Regulus started walking up the stairs as well and he noticed many pictures. He saw Madam Jolene with a group of friends. Traveling the world and having a good time. He saw a painting of Madam Jolene in front of a temple and one of her friends falling down the stairs, which made him automatically think of Evan. He's a clumsy idiot. But he's Regulus' best friend. James then knocked on a door and Madam Jolene opened the door. Madam Jolene had grey eyes just like Regulus but she had long, flowy blonde hair like Pandora.
"Hey James," Madam Jolene said, with a smoky voice. Regulus had never heard her speak before. He had never actually been in her diner despite being allowed in Hogsmeade for about a year now.
"Hey Jolene," James said with a smile on his face. "I just want to make sure that we're still on. The house-elves are going to cook it but you just have to give it to us."
"Of course, of course," Madam Jolene said walking past James and Regulus. She suddenly stopped and turned around. She looked Regulus up and down and he felt weird. He didn't usually care about people's opinion but this lady was literally just looking at him. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. I'm Madam Jolene. You are."
Regulus looked at James who gave him an encouraging nod. "I'm Regulus. Regulus Black."
"Oh," Madam Jolene said. "You're Sirius' brother." Regulus nodded and she smiled. She kept staring at Regulus. "I should've known. You two have the same eyes." That was the first person to ever make a connection between Regulus' and Sirius' eyes. James started to look at Regulus and he noticed it too.
Madam Jolene turned around and she started walking down the stairs, to the kitchen. She grabbed a trunk full of things and James grabbed one end. Regulus watched the two struggle and then he realized that James needed his help. He rushed to the other side of the trunk and picked it up. Well at least Regulus knew James wasn't strong enough to pick up this trunk.
"I have all that you need and I added a couple of drinks in there. There is a bit of firewhisky for those seventh and sixth years but don't give it to anyone that's underage. And that goes for you too James."
"Oh Jolene, you underestimate me. I would never drink firewhisky. At least not with something to dull it down," James said and then he started to walk back down the stairs.
When they made it back into the tunnels they put the trunk down.
"We have to do the spell together," James said and despite Regulus not even knowing what spell it was the two boys said, "Locomotor Trunk!"
Regulus had guessed but it worked out for them in the end. The two had the trunk carry itself through the tunnels, to the basement of Madam Puddifoot's, through the passage and back to the corridor that the painting was in.
Regulus saw Remus and Peter walk over and they grabbed the trunk. "Good job Prongs," Remus said. I thought you would have fucked it up somehow," Remus said. He then noticed Regulus and stopped. "What are you doing here?"
"Don't worry, Remus. He helped me out," James said. "And thank you for underestimating me. Get that to the kitchens and make sure that no one sees you." James took the cloak and threw it to Remus who caught it. "I didn't even need to use it."
Remus and Peter stood there and so did James and Regulus. Peter coughed and looked at Regulus and James realized. What he realized Reglus didn't know but James quickly said, "Regulus come on we have to go back."
Regulus and James walked away from the two boys and the trunk and they went back to the classroom. They waited for a while until Professor Slughorn and McGonagall came back and let them leave. Regulus went straight to his dorm room. He ignored Barty and Evan who were both in the common room doing homework. They had asked him to help them but he didn't want to. He wanted to be alone for the time being. He walked into the room that said Fourth Year Boys and he jumped onto his bed.
Regulus didn't know why but he wanted to talk with James. The guy was actually funny and he wasn't boring. Regulus also didn't know why but he wanted so bad to be right beside him. To be embraced in a hug with him. Maybe even feel James's lips on his. And the thought of that frightened him.
-french translation: I swear I'll tear him limb by limb and feed him to the wolves
