365 Drabble Prompt: unpopular
Word Count: 428
"Black, Regulus."
The moment his name was called, Regulus heard whispers at the Slytherin table. His family was one of the most notable pure-blood families in the wizarding world. Sirius's entrance into Gryffindor had made the old families question the loyalty of the Blacks to the traditional values that they all held dear. It was now Regulus's burden to show them all what the future of the Black family would look like.
As the Sorting Hat was placed on his head, Regulus knew he had a choice to make. His parents had made it clear what they expected.
"Sirius knew what was expected of him, but he still chose to defy us. Slytherin is the only possible choice for you. No matter what, do not let that Hat put you anywhere but Slytherin. I have no doubt that it will only put you in Slytherin anyway. How could it possibly think you'd fit in anywhere else?"
His father's words echoed in his head before another voice muttered in his ear. "Hmm, Black is it? There is much uncertainty with you. You have enough ambition and determination to be a Slytherin. Your loyalty and patience would allow you to easily fit in as a Hufflepuff. I sense a fair amount of individuality, something Ravenclaw herself valued highly." The Hat paused. "Ah, but there is a great deal of bravery and daring as well. So, young Regulus, where shall I put you? The choice is yours, you know."
Regulus was taken aback by this. He'd never really been told he had a choice in anything. His parents demanded Slytherin. They had said the Hat might try to persuade him with the allure of other Houses, but he was not to listen. They had said that he belonged in Slytherin. He had assumed that the Hat would only ever decide to put him there.
"I – I can choose?" Sirius's face came to life in his mind.
"Ah yes, your brother. He had a choice as well. So what will it be?"
Regulus thought for a moment, knowing that so much depended on this decision. His family's status. His relationship with his brother. His entire future.
It only took a moment for him to know what would make him the happiest.
The smile on Sirius's face when Regulus took a seat next to him at the Gryffindor table was enough to make the youngest Black believe that he'd made the right choice, no matter how unpopular it might be with their family.