What Really Happened: The Regulus Black Story

Chapter Two: Reactions

"...and Hermione took me in here to tell you my story." He let out a long sigh, relieved his story was over, yet anxious about their reactions.

"That's a bunch of bullshit." Someone called out. All eyes turned to him, and were rolled upon seeing who it was.

"Ron, just because you don't believe it, doesn't mean it's not true." Hermione scolded.

"I have to agree with Mr. Weasley, it seems to be very far fetched." Severus Snape said.

They all turned to him and stared, openmouthed. Snape agreeing with Ron!? It was unheard of! Then another voice spoke up.

"I'm sorry Regulus, but I agree with Ron and Severus." Kingsley said, sorrowfully. "It's too out there."

There were various murmurs of agreement. Hermione stood in a huff and her famous temper began to show through.

"Well, you all are a bunch of dunderheads. How can you not believe him? I mean, what person, if they are evil, tries to go and kill their leader? What evil person, asks for help and feels bad about their brother's death whom they were supposed to hate? Ron, I'm shocked that you don't believe him. I mean, sure, it's a little strange, but come on. We are in the Wizarding World. I mean bloody hell you guys," a collective gasp went around the room, "I'm a muggleborn witch. Most things here are a little strange, but most of you, who have been around magic all of your lives, don't believe him. Maybe it's because you didn't see him when he first got here, ragged, pale, looking as if he just about died. Maybe, if you could accept that not all people who act the way they do, do it on their own free will, you would see that he isn't evil.

"Professor Snape, you should understand. Everyone thought you were evil, a bastard," another gasp, "but you did what you did to help Professor Dumbledore. How can you be good and Regulus be evil when you both did very similar things. You both took what knowledge you knew and tried to use it against Voldemort to destroy him." By now, she was slightly calmer. "Well, I'm going to leave, and let you think about good and evil. When I come back you better tell me your decision, if you believe Regulus and will keep him here and try to help him, or if you don't believe Regulus and want to kick him out. You have 15 minutes." With that, Hermione spun on her heel and walked away, Regulus quickly following her.

"I'm sorry," She said, when they were out of earshot of the kitchen. "I just get so worked up when someone is good and people make them out to be evil. Harry was treated that way in school a few times, Sirius was treated that way for the last 15 odd years of his life, and Draco, one of my other good friends, Draco Malfoy, was treated that way too." Tears were rolling down her face.

After the war, Draco and Hermione became good friends. Draco apologized for calling her names and being such an ass and told Hermione it was because of his father that he did it. She fogave him quickly, upon seeing the sincerity in his eyes, and after that...well, it's history.

"No, I'm sorry. If it weren't for me you wouldn't be fighting with the people you love. I should just go and not cause anymore problems."

"Regulus, no. It's fine. If they don't believe you, then they aren't who I thought they were." The door opened just then and Harry and Draco walked in.

"Hey 'Mione. How you holding up?" Draco asks, sitting next to her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She leaned causally into him and Regulus tensed up. Something about the causal, comforting gesture between Draco and Hermione bugged him. Maybe it was the fact that they were so comfortable together.

"I'm good. Go back to the kitchen and talk some more. Help them make up their minds."

"I will. And Regulus," Draco said, looking at the man in question, "I believe you."

"Thank you." Draco nodded and stood up, walking away. Harry quickly gave Hermione a hug. He had noticed Regulus' reaction when Draco hugged her and wanted to see if his suspicions were correct. Sure enough, Regulus tensed up again. Harry smiled evilly, loving this new development, and walked away.

At the door way he turned around and addressed Regulus, "I believe you too."

"Thanks." Harry smiled grimly and walked downstairs. Hermione looked at Regulus when he began to talk, "What'll you do if they don't believe me?"

"I'll leave."

"Simple as that?"

"Simple as that. If they don't believe you, then I don't belong here. They aren't who I thought they were."

"I don't want to be the reason you leave your home." Then he hesitated, "This is your home, correct?"

"No, I live somewhere else. I just come here often to visit Harry and go to Order meetings."

"Are you sure you don't just want me to leave though? Then you still could visit and stuff."

"I'm positive." She smiled warmly at him, and when he smiled back, her stomach did a little flip. Did she like him?

They went back to the kitchen and asked the decision. Everyone went around the room, saying what they thought. There were only 8 people who believed him: Draco, Remus, Tonks, Harry, Bill, Charlie, George, and Luna. The rest were either too afraid of others that didn't believe him to admit they believed, or they were just asses. Hermione thought it was the previous afraid of the latter. She nodded and walked out of the kitchen, up to her room, and packed her things.

She went back to the kitchen and found Regulus there, glaring at the 'non-believers'. She tapped his arm and nodded towards the door. He smiled at her lightly and she hugged all her friends goodbye, not acknowledging the others. Then, he put his hand on her back and led them outside. She took his arm and apparated them to her house, a cozy little place near muggles that has only 2 bedrooms and a small kitchen, living room, and bathroom. She showed him his room and then went to hers, falling back dramatically onto her bed. Upset about the fact not many believed her and confused about her feelings about Regulus.