"Bella found him," Narcissa explained.

"Is he okay, what did they-"

"He is fine, your brother is fine," Lucius said. "In fact, it appears he... volunteered to go."

"No, no that's not right, that's impossible!"

"Impossible? Now, if it is impossible... You would think it strange he was found in the residence of one Edward Tonks, wouldn't you, Regulus?"

"I don't know who that is," he said, crossing his arms as he looked from Lucius to Narcissa. He didn't understand why he hadn't been told Bellatrix had found Sirius, and he wasn't happy about it.

Lucius shook his head ever so slightly. "Of course not..."

"Who is he? What did he do to Sirius? Where is Sirius?"

"Sirius is okay," Narcissa repeated, glaring at Lucius. "And Edward Tonks isn't important."

Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Not important? I wouldn't be too sure of that."

"Who is he?!" He repeated his question. If this Edward Tonks stole his brother away from him, then he'd make him pay. He'd ask for a wand and track the man down, and then he'd regret ever taking his brother away from him.

Lucius stared at Narcissa and Narcissa stared back. It seemed like sn eternity had passed before she told him to sit down.

He sat down on the sofa Lucius had been sitting on before, and kept his eyes on his cousin, silently demanding answers.

"Edward Tonks," she said, the name coming out like a bad word, "is the mudblood Andromeda ran off with."

He gulped, his head spinning as he tried to make sense of it. He was starting to dislike this Edward Tonks the more he heard about him. Not only was he a mudblood, but he first stole Andromeda, and now Sirius... Who knows who might be next?

"W-where's Sirius...?"

"Upstairs—no! You may not see him, Regulus. Not now. Not until after."

"After what?!"

But Narcissa didn't answer. Instead, she turned to her boyfriend. "I can't do this, Lucius," she snapped. "He's ten."

"I'm nearly eleven!"

"You're just a boy! You're just a boy and there's no need for you to know everything. No, I refuse to tell you any more."

"But he's my brother!"

"I don't care if he's you're brother, Regulus," she said. "You're not supposed to be here. You're supposed to be with Grandmother. I am not afraid to tell on you if you keep this up."

He gritted his teeth, looking to Lucius for support, but he didn't seem all too interested in the conversation for he was staring out of one of the tall windows behind the sofa.

He was tempted to turn around and look out of the window himself, but resisted. Instead he looked back at Narcissa, who was glaring at him with such intensity he had to look away after a few seconds as it made him very uncomfortable.

"I'm taking you home," said Narcissa. She grabbed him by his shoulder and before he could protest her actions he was being squeezed through a narrow tube and they landed on the grounds of his grandparents' home. He stumbled a little, and his foot felt on fire. He fell to the ground, gasping for air as he clutched his foot, rubbing it through his shoe. The pain didn't get better; if anything, it got worse.

He barely noticed Narcissa conjuring up a stretcher for him, gently putting him down, mumbling apologies as she floated him towards the house. He was crying, still clutching his foot.

Everything blurred together; the angry shouting of his grandmother as he was brought inside, Narcissa's voice as she tried to reason with her, the rummaging of bottles, the whispering of spells... None of it mattered because of the blinding pain coming from his left foot. He was positive that this was his end, his death.

Positive until the pain disappeared as suddenly as it had come.

It took a few seconds for him to catch his breath but when he next looked up at his grandmother, she smacked him hard across the face. "How dare you leave this house after I explicitly forbade you to do so," she snarled, pulling him off the sofa he had been lying on and dragging him across the hall into his bedroom. He hurried to keep up with her, trying to block out her angry rant. He needed to tell her about Sirius, she had to tell Mother and Father, he couldn't leave Sirius behind. He just couldn't.

The last thing Grandmother Irma did before locking the door to his room, was taking the floo powder from the fireplace, leaving him trapped.

-

He spent the next day locked in the bedroom, and the day after that, and the day after that... the days blurred together so he had no idea what date it was anymore. His grandmother visited him thrice a day to hand him food and drinks, but otherwise ignored him. Grandfather Pollux was away on business to Romania, something about dragons... so he had no company, and there wasn't much to do in the room, either. He had examined every photograph on the wall, had numerous conversations with himself, tried calling Kreacher a couple times (he didn't come) and searched the room for hidden doors or even just some leftover Floo powder.

But he truly was stuck and all alone. His thoughts took him back to Sirius, who was in that mansion. He had had to wait until after. After something, but what? And why had Narcissa Disapparated with him so suddenly? The questions were driving him mad.

He missed home. He missed his parents. He missed-

Tap. Tap.

He looked up to see an owl tapping on the window, a letter clutched in its beak. Regulus hurried over to the window and let the bird in, taking the letter from him.

He recognised the seal before he even checked the front: Hogwarts.

Delighted for the first time in what must've been weeks, he tore open the seal and unfolded the parchment inside the envelope. He skipped over Dumbledore's awards and went straight to what he had been waiting for nearly eleven long years.

Dear Mr Black,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

He nearly squealed with excitement and read the letter over a couple of times, ignoring the increasingly impatient owl.

He banged on his bedroom door. "Grandmother! Grandmother Irma you'll never believe what came for me just now! Grandmother Irma!"

The door opened and he held up his Hogwarts acceptance letter with pride. "Look what came for me!"

"Oh, Regulus!" She beamed at him as she took the letter from him and scanned it, checking if it really was what they had all been waiting for, then: "come, let's grab some butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron, how about that? Or some ice cream?"

"I want Sirius."

Her smile faded. "I'm afraid I'm not able-"

"I don't care! I want my brother here with me."

"I'm sorry, dear. But it's really not up to me," she said, handing him back his letter. "Freshen up and we'll leave for Diagon Alley, all right?"

"Fine..."

He changed into a set of dark green formal robes and splashed some water in his face, combed his hair and put on his shoes.

They arrived at the Leaky Cauldron not much later, and after Regulus declined butterbeer once more (he wasn't in the mood, without Sirius there), they entered Diagon Alley.

"Let's stop by Gringotts first," Grandmother Irma said as she grabbed his hand, "then we'll get you your things."

They went through the silver doors into a marble room, and Regulus immediately spotted Evan Rosier and his parents. He waved at Evan, trying go get his attention as his grandmother took him through the hall. He caught snippets of the conversation he had with his parents.

"Shame there's no replacement for Gringotts yet," the mother said.

"Muggles and mudbloods everywhere," the father complained.

Evan caught Regulus' eye at the last moment before he disappeared into the main hall, and waved back.

Grandmother was sorting things out with the goblin while Regulus wondered about what Hogwarts would be like. Other boys (and girls)... he had had a very sheltered upbringing and barely knew anyone else except vaguely by name—it would be quite the change to suddenly be stuck in a massive castle with hundreds of other students.

A goblin hurried over to them. "This way please," he said, leading them through the hall, through a set of doors, and towards a cart.

They climbed into the cart and it took them to their vault where it came to a screeching halt. Regulus was nearly flung out of the cart, but his grandmother managed to hold onto him.

Grandmother Irma took a few handfuls of gold and filled up a pouch she handed to Regulus. The coins rattled inside the pouch as they made their way back up in that same speeding cart, leaving Regulus nauseous when he finally clambered out of it. He had never been more glad to feel the ground beneath his feet.

"Are we getting my wand now?" He asked as they left the bank. Getting a wand of his own was possibly the only thing he was truly excited about.

"No, we're getting your robes first. Then we'll pick up your books-"

"Can't you get them for me? Please?"

She pursed her lips, gave it a thought, and nodded. "Very well. You head over to Madam Malkin's, I'll pick up your books. List?"

He handed her the letter that had his supply list and she was off. He made his way over to the robes shop himself.

There was another boy in there already, a chubby boy with mousy brown hair who was nearly finished being fitted as Regulus was put on a different footstool to get his measurements taken. The boy seemed to be alone as well. Regulus didn't recognise him, however, and felt awkward staring at him, so he quickly averted his gaze.

But the boy had already noticed him. "Hello there!"

Regulus gave him a quick nod.

"Are you going to Hogwarts too?"

Again, Regulus nodded.

"Great! I can't wait, can you? My Dad's been telling me all about it, how about you?"

He simply nodded once more. "Yes, it is exciting."

"Isn't it? When did you find out you're a wizard? My Dad told me a few years ago after I-"

"I have always known," he said, cutting him off.

"Oh but that's interesting! I've never-"

"Can you shut up," he snapped, not wanting to talk to the boy any longer. Not only was he the wrong sort of wizard, but he had more important things to worry about. Sirius, for example.

The boy next to him was finished being fitted and gave a small last wave at Regulus. "Er- see you at Hogwarts!"

Regulus ignored him and the boy left the shop. Not telling your child he's a wizard, ha! What a joke. That meant the boy was a halfblood at least. Merlin's beard, he had been talking to a halfblood. Or worse. The very thought made him sick.

His grandmother came back into the shop carrying a large bag filled with the books he would need for school this year. She paid for his three sets of plain black work robes, his dragon hide protective gloves, the plain black pointed hat and his winter cloak. In the bag they went.

Then they were on their way again, across the street, into Potage's Cauldron Shop, a dimly lit, musty smelling tiny shop filled to the bring with all sorts of cauldrons. There was another family in, and it made the shop overly crowded, so Grandmother sent Regulus outside to wait as she got him his Pewter Size 2.

She came outside after only several minutes. "Muggles," she said. "Oh no, what's this, and what's that? What's it in real money?" She imitated them. "Clueless, honestly."

"There's Muggles in there?"

"Oh yes. Unfortunately." She handed him the cauldron (she had put her bag in it) and took him further along the road.

"Can I get my wand now?"

"Save the best for last, Regulus. We still need your other supplies."

"You can get them. I'll get my wand."

"No. Come on."

She pulled him into Wiseacre's, a huge shop which advertised itself as having everything wizards would have a need for, and that didn't seem to be much of a lie. Regulus saw moon globes, wizarding maps, moon and star charts, telescopes and binoculars, but also silver and brass scales, magnifying glasses, phials, compasses and crystal balls.

Armed with all supplies he needed, he once again asked his grandmother about his wand, knowing she couldn't keep postponing it.

And right he was. He was beaming all the way until Ollivander's. If only he could get his hands on a wand, then all of these troubles would be over. He could get Sirius back, he was sure of it.

As he entered the tiny shop, a bell rang somewhere in the distance. Thankfully this time there were no other people, in fact, the shop appeared to be completely deserted.

He took a seat on the spindly chair and looked to his grandmother, but she was staring at the boxes of wands stacked neatly against the walls, up to the ceiling.

"Good afternoon."

The soft voice startled Regulus and he jumped from the chair. The voice belonged to an older man who stood in front of both of them.

"Good afternoon," Grandmother said.

Regulus nodded awkwardly. "Hello."

The man pulled Regulus over to the corner and examined him in the light from outside. "Which is your wand arm?"

Regulus held his right arm out for him.

The wand maker measured him from his shoulder to his finger, from his wrist to his elbow, from his shoulder all the way down to the floor.

"None if this is necessary, Mr. Ollivander," Grandmother Irma said as the man had started to measure around his head, "we'll have a look at your elm wands."

"Irma Crabbe," Ollivander said, turning around to face her while the tape measured his knees all on its own.

"Black," she corrected.

"Ah, yes... Sycamore, ten inches, supple, was it not?"

"It was, though I helped myself to another after it burst to flames the other day."

"You let it get bored, didn't I warn you-"

"What do you expect? People grow up, Mr. Ollivander. I cannot afford to be who I once was."

"Such a pity, such a pity indeed... And your new wand? Not one of mine, was it?"

Regulus barely noticed the tape measuring between his nostrils as he watched his grandmother in curiosity.

"Oh no. I'd had enough of your foolishness, Mr. Ollivander. My new elm hasn't failed me yet, unlike yours."

"And yet you take your grandson to see me..." he turned his attention to the tape, telling it to stop. At once, the tape fell down on the floor.

Mr. Ollivander walked over to the shelves, taking down several boxes. "Right then, Mr. Black," he said, opening the first box and handing him the wand. "Try this one. Maple with a dragon heartstring, nine inches. Supple. Go on, give it a wave."

Regulus eyed his grandmother who had a disapproving look on her face. He concluded she probably didn't like the wand wasn't elm.

He gave the wand a wave, but nothing happened. It might as well have been any other stick. Mr. Ollivander took it back, putting it away. He handed him another. "Blackthorn, unicorn hair. Nine inches. Swishy. Try-"

"I really must insist," Grandmother said. "I think elm is best suited for the boy."

"The wand chooses the wizard, Mrs. Black."

"The wand can't choose the wizard if you don't let it," she argued. "Give him elm."

Mr. Ollivander turned back to the shelves and pulled out a box, handing the wand to Regulus. "Elm. Unicorn hair. Ten inches. Unyielding."

Regulus really wanted something to happen. He desperately wanted this to be his wand, if only so his grandmother would shut up. But as with the Maple, nothing happened.

"Give him another," said Grandmother Irma. "We're not leaving without a wand."

Mr. Ollivander reluctantly took out more elm wands, but they did nothing for him. He was starting to feel embarrassed as the boxes started to pile up, with none of them a clear fit.

"Give the boy a good wand, unless you're telling me he's a Squib," his grandmother said after what felt like hours of trying on wands.

A strange twinkle appeared in Mr. Ollivander's moon-like eyes, and he took out yet another wand, handing it to Regulus.

The moment he touched the wand, he knew it was right. There was a warmth coming from the wand, soaring through his fingertips all the way up to his shoulder. He gave it a wave, sparks flowing from the tip, bouncing off the walls of the small shop.

"Bravo!" Cried Mr. Ollivander. "Yes, yes, I thought as much!"

Regulus looked at his grandmother, who smiled slightly. "Well done, Regulus. What wand is it? I'd like to pay."

"Cedar wood with a phoenix feather, ten inches, brittle," said Ollivander. "You take care of that wand, Mr. Black, and it will take care of you in return."

-

Grandmother Irma had been sulking the rest of the day, complaining about his new wand, telling him not to get too attached since Ollivander's wands had a tendency to spontaneously combust.

He didn't mind, though. His wand was his. She didn't have to like it, as long as he did. And he did. He loved his wand.

She hadn't sent him back to his room as they got back, which was a nice surprise. Instead, she let him roam the cottage (and only the cottage, nowhere else!). He had no interest in being locked up the rest of the summer, so he stayed in the living room, admiring his new wand until it was time for supper.

He sat next to Grandmother Irma, and had supper in silence.

"When is Grandfather coming back?" He asked as she was collecting the plates with her wand.

"Not until after your birthday, dear. I'm sorry."

"What's he doing, anyway?"

"Something to do with dragons. I'm really not too sure."

"Oh."

She disappeared with the dirty dishes and he pulled his wand from his robes, looking at it. One day he would be able to do that himself, to make things float and follow him, to wash themself...

"Put your wand away, dear. You don't know how to use it."

Regulus looked up to see she had returned with pudding. Reluctantly, he put his wand back into his robes.

"Could I... May I see Sirius? Please?"

"Regulus..."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry. But he's my brother."

"We all make sacrifices," she said matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean?"

"Sometimes our siblings go astray and the best way to help them is by not interacting for a while."

He frowned, thinking about what she said. How would ignoring someone help? "That doesn't make any sense."

"Sirius is okay. Don't worry."

"So why can't I see him?"

She sighed. "Your parents think its better that way."

"Where are my parents? Why am I here?"

"They're with Sirius. You're spending the summer with your favourite grandmother, how about that?"

"But I want to spend it with Sirius," he complained. "Can't I just go home?"

"No. You can't go home. Your parents don't want you home."

"Why not?"

"Because they have to focus on Sirius for now, dear. Surely you understand?"

He crossed his arms, staring right at his grandmother. "I don't, actually, no."

She looked away. "I don't have all the answers for you, dear. I'm sorry."

"Can I at least see Bella and Cissy?"

"They're both busy, dear. I'm sorry."

"Busy with what?!" He was starting to get really annoyed by her constant apologies without her ever giving a useful answer.

"Their lives. I'm sorry if it's hard for you to understand, but as we grow older, we... Well, younger children become less interesting to spend time with."

"I'm not a child!"

She just smiled. "I'm sorry, Regulus, but you are."