Regulus sat on the high ice cream parlor chairs, dangling his legs. Today was turning out to be a good day. He and Sirius had finally memorized the whole Black family tree up to the time of Merlin, and their father promised them that they would have a day out at Diagon Alley with their mother. So far it was amazing; ice cream and quality time with his big brother.
A wizard carrying a beautiful barn owl passed by and Sirius said "I'm definitely getting one of those when I go to Hogwarts."
"Are you really going to Hogwarts?"
"Of course, mother said all Blacks go there."
"That's so nice Sirius. Mmm I wish I was going with you" said Regulus pouting and kicking his legs hard.
Sirius softened his big boy act and said "Don't worry Reg. This way is better. I'll get to know everything and when you come the next year I'll just tell you it all. It will give you a big advantage over the others."
"Ya but" and here Regulus paused, his eyes getting bigger, "you'll be hanging out with someone else. Cissy told me there are a lot of students there. Maybe a hundred! Do you think you will find a friend there?"
"Sure, why not?" said Sirius casually, hiding the uncertainty he really felt. He and Regulus never had friends, only endless cousins. They were each other's best friends. But Sirius decided already he would meet every student in Hogwarts there was.
"Oh but you won't forget about me right?"
"Yes Regulus" said Sirius heavily. He felt he was fast outgrowing his brother and was sometimes embarrassed of his childishness.
"Ya of course not" cried Regulus happily, "you'll be having an owl and then you will write to me every day" and humming he went back to his ice cream. Sirius smiled, his brother was adorable too. A somewhat demanding and spoilt child that always got what he wanted, but still really adorable.
"Sirius, I need the loo" said Regulus suddenly.
"Then go" said Sirius uninterestedly "it should be here somewhere."
Regulus slid down his chair uncertainly, he felt he shouldn't be going on his own but he decided not to bother Sirius; he could be a big boy too. He walked to the back of the shop but couldn't find it anywhere. He opened the back door and found himself in an alley way. He walked a few steps when a man came out from the shadows.
"That's a pretty coat you got on" he said pointing at Regulus's robes. He was scruffy and red eyed and Regulus couldn't help noticing foul smelling too.
"I'm looking for the loo" said Regulus in a small voice, not sure how to deal with him. He wasn't any of mother's friends or father's co-workers.
"Yeah, I got the loo" and he lunged forward and grabbed Regulus.