EDIT 10/11
Orion Black sat at his study desk, absorbed in the paperwork that demanded his attention. His wife, Walburga, had entered the room with a soft, almost contrite air about her. He barely noticed her presence, his focus wholly consumed by the intricate details of the Black family's affairs.
"Orion," Walburga's voice interrupted his thoughts, and he looked up from his work, slightly surprised by her sudden appearance.
She wore an expression that seemed softer, more understanding than the cold, stern demeanor he had grown accustomed to. "I've been contemplating our situation," she began, her voice coated with a layer of apparent sincerity. "I realize now that I've been too quick with my decisions regarding Sirius."
Orion regarded her carefully. Her words struck him as unusual, given her unwavering stance on disowning their son in the past. "Go on," he said cautiously, curious about the change in her demeanor.
Walburga continued, "I've had a change of heart. I now understand that we should be more compassionate toward our own flesh and blood. I shouldn't have been so swift to disown him. He's still a Black, after all."
Orion found himself momentarily taken aback by her apparent change of heart. Her words seemed genuine, and he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. "It's a good sign that you're willing to reconsider, Walburga," he admitted, his guard starting to lower.
She moved closer, her voice now laced with a sweetness that he hadn't heard from her in years. "I want to make amends and support our family, including Sirius. I'm willing to visit him with you and show him that we care."
As Orion took the cup of tea she offered, he was utterly unaware of the subtle manipulation that had taken place. The warmth of the tea seemed to spread through him, and her words had an uncanny effect on his emotions. He couldn't help but trust her newfound sincerity.
"Thank you, Walburga," he said, a sense of relief and gratitude in his voice. "I appreciate your willingness to mend our family."
Regulus watched his reflection in the life-sized mirror in his room. He wore a midnight blue dress robe with intricate black embroidery on the sleeves, resembling swirling branches, and dragonhide boots with a mid-calf cut. His hair was slicked to the side, touching his shoulders. He looked just like Sirius, except for the playful smile he lacked. Then, a growing rage swelled within him. He grabbed his wand and cut his hair even shorter, above his ears. He examined his reflection once more and thought, 'Ah, much better.' He turned toward the door, took a deep breath, and descended to the Hall.
The Hall, formerly their living room, had been magically enlarged to accommodate two hundred people. Regulus entered, and the maroon-colored curtains immediately caught his attention. 'Very Gryffindor,' he silently commented. His eyes searched for his mother and found her in the center of the hall, giving orders to the elves to change the curtain's color from a horrendous shade of red to dirty white with gold outer linings. His mother seemed to have sensed being watched and turned to him. She gave him a smile and beckoned him to approach.
"What do you think, son?" Walburga inquired.Regulus examined the hall. There were approximately fifty round tables in every corner, and the center was bare for the ball, except for the three enormous chandeliers above the ceiling. The gold and dirty white theme gave the hall an elegant and warm atmosphere.
"How should I say this, Mother? You've really outdone yourself."His mother was clearly delighted with his response. She hugged him and said, "Nothing less for my only son." She released him and tried to remove some non-existent dust from his shoulder. "I'm delighted you like it. Are you ready to welcome our guests?"
"Ready as ever, but Mother, have you seen Father?" he asked.
"Oh, he's just walking towards us," Walburga replied, nodding behind his back.Regulus turned and saw his father approaching them. He slightly bowed and greeted Orion Black. "Father," he said in acknowledgment."Regulus, my son." He was taken aback when his father awkwardly hugged him, but it was over in a matter of seconds. Orion turned to his wife and kissed her hand before placing himself beside her. "The Hall is magnificent, dear, and you look as lovely as ever."
His mother blushed and playfully punched his father's arm. "Oh, drop it, Darling. We need to be at the entrance of the hall to greet our guests."Regulus was stunned. He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. He had never seen his parents flirting with each other before. His mother's blushing was a sight to behold, and he had never seen his father act so affectionate toward her. His parents seemed to notice his bewildered expression, and his mother asked him,
"Regulus, is there something wrong?"
His father chuckled, "Dear, nothing is wrong. Our son is just a little baffled." Then, Kreacher appeared and informed them that the guests had arrived. "Now, come along, you two." His father guided his wife, placing his hand at her lower back, and tapped Regulus's shoulder to walk beside him. "We have guests to please." His father said with a smirk forming on his lips. His mother rolled her eyes but also seemed quite content. Regulus couldn't help but smile and followed his parents. The Blacks walked side by side toward the entrance, presenting a picture of a family.
The guests arrived one by one. The attendees were mostly powerful purebloods in the Great Britain Wizarding Community. Regulus wore his well-practiced perfect smile. His uncle Alphard Black, the Lord and Lady Rosiers, Goyles, Crabbes, Abottes, Longbottoms, Greengrasses, Parkinsons, Lord and Lady Nott, and the Head of the Magical Law Department, Barty Crouch, had already arrived, accompanied by his wife and his son, Barty Crouch Jr. Moments later, Lucius Malfoy arrived with his wife Narcissa Malfoy nee Black and Severus Snape.
"Lord Regulus Black, Lord Orion Black, and Lady Walburga Black, a pleasant evening. I would like to thank you for extending your benevolence to the House of Malfoys. My wife and I are grateful for your invitation. My father would like to extend his apologies for not being able to attend. He is currently, ahh, indisposed at the moment," Lucius stoically said.
"Thank you, Lucius, but who is this young man with you?" Orion Black inquired, clearly not affected by Lucius's passive attitude.
"Father," Regulus politely interrupted, "this is Severus Snape. He is a friend from Slytherin House. He and I are members of the club that Professor Slughorn created. I invited him."
"Good evening, Lord Black. It is an honor to meet you. I am Severus Snape," the young man introduced himself and extended his hand.
"Ah, a friend," Orion Black stated while accepting Severus's hand. "Any 'friend' of my son is welcome in my house."
"Snape? I've never heard such a pureblood name before here in Great Britain. Is your family perhaps based abroad?" Walburga asked while extending her hand toward Severus, who kissed the ring on it. Severus was about to answer but was interrupted by the arrivals of Cygnus Black with his wife Druella Black nee Rosier, Rodolphus Lestrange with Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black, Rabastan Lestrange, Cassiopeia Black, and a man who exuded confidence and power.
"What a crowd," Regulus heard his father say."Cygnus, Druella, Aunt Cassiopeia, Bella, Rodolphus...," Orion Black looked at the younger Lestrange, not quite sure of his name. "Mr. Lestrange," and finally turned to the man he had never known he had invited, although he had a brooding feeling of who he was. "And Lord Voldemort, welcome to the House of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. I am honored that you have graced us with your presence," Orion said, extending his hand and giving a slight bow.
Regulus instantly perked up. He had heard the name before. Lord Voldemort was the person he had always been curious and anxious to meet. He had a newspaper collection of the man's exploits. He followed every press interview of the man. Lord Voldemort was a highly respected individual in the Slytherin house. Many of the pureblood families aligned themselves with the Lord. He was rumored to be the next Prime Minister. However, Regulus didn't quite understand why his father was wearing his calculated smile, an indication that his father was on guard.There was a prolonged silence, and the atmosphere instantly became heavy. The man chuckled and shook hands with Orion and the heavy atmosphere evaporated.
"And I am also honored to finally meet and be able to introduce myself to the evasive Head of House of Black," the man jest. "Cygnus took the initiative to invite me here. That is not a problem, I hope?"
"Not at all. You are most welcome," Orion Black said and then introduced Regulus and his Walburga. "Lord Voldemort, this is my heir, Regulus Artucrus Black, and my wife, Walburga Black." Walburga curtsied, looking honored to be in the presence of the Lord. Regulus slightly bowed and offered his hand to shake the hand of the Dark Lord.
"My Lord, it is my pleasure to finally meet you at last. I have heard great things about you. Thank you for attending my Ball," Regulus stated in awe.One could not know what Orion felt at that moment, for he wore his blank expression. Cygnus looked pleased with the eagerness of the young Lord. Cassiopeia nodded in approval, while Bellatrix was obscenely happy. Rodolphus and Rabastan just smirked alongside Lucius Malfoy. Narcissa's expression was devoid of emotion, while Severus wore the same expression as Regulus.Lord Voldemort chuckled and accepted the hand of Regulus.
"The pleasure is all mine."
The Grimmauld Place Hall buzzed with people. Music filled the air, and food and firewhisky were everywhere. The Lords of different pureblood families moved back and forth, greeting each other, lingering a little longer where Lord Voldemort was, hoping for a glimpse and an opportunity to be introduced. The Lord was surrounded by Cygnus, Nott, Avery, Crabbe, Goyle, Rowle, Lucius Malfoy, and his father, Orion Black, in the northeast corner of the Hall near the door to the second floor. Cygnus waved his hand, as if trying to convey something to his father, while the Lord seemed to pay close attention to his father's reaction.
"What do you think they are talking about?" curious Severus Snape asked Regulus.
"I do not know. Something important, perhaps," he shrugged. "Perhaps you know, Rabastan?" He turned to his classmate.
"I don't know either. It may be about the upcoming Ministry election. You know Lord Voldemort is expected to be the next Minister. Maybe they're trying to get your father's support," Rabastan guessed.
"Rabastan, you know more than that, don't you?" Regulus said, eyeing Rabastan suspiciously.
Rabastan raised his hands in defeat. "Hey, I really do not know. All I know is that except for Regulus's father, all the men surrounding the Lord are members of some organization. My brother and sister-in-law are also members. I asked them once what it is, but they said I am not allowed to know yet. So my best guess is that they're trying to recruit your father, Regulus."
Regulus did not reply, merely observing his father. His father appeared to be attentively listening to his Uncle Cygnus. But Regulus knew better; his father's stance, resting his weight on his left foot, indicated that his father was not listening, and the timely nod he gave showed that his father wanted the discussion to end immediately.It seemed that Regulus was not the only one who noticed his father's demeanor. He saw the Lord raise his hand, and his uncle stopped talking. All the men turned to the Lord, patiently waiting to hear what he would say. The Lord walked over to his father, speaking to him. His father nodded, and both men left the hall, heading towards the door to the second floor. Regulus wondered what the Lord might tell his father, something requiring the privacy of his father's study.Regulus rose from his chair.
"I'm going to the loo. I'll be back in a minute," he said to Severus and Rabastan, then headed towards the door where his father and Lord Voldemort had exited. He didn't wait for his friends' replies. When he reached the hall, he immediately turned toward the stairs to ascend. He was about to take another step when he heard the Floo network near the drawing room activate.
"Sirius! Sirius, where are you?"A frantic woman's voice echoed through the hall. Regulus stopped and immediately readied his wand. He knew they had set the Floo network to automatically bring anyone who tried to Floo into their house outside the front door.He disillusioned himself, wand at the ready, and slowly walked to the drawing room to investigate. He was about to fire a stunning spell when he saw a disheveled woman in a red dress stepping out of their fireplace. She dusted the Floo powder from her knee, revealing a portion of her cleavage.He cast off the disillusionment charm, and the woman noticed his presence, pointing her wand towards him. He was ready to defend himself, but the woman unexpectedly lunged towards him.
"Sirius!" the woman hugged him.
"You frightened me! I thought you were a Death Eater under that disillusionment charm. I almost sent a stunner your way!""What?!" he said, eying the woman warily. She wore a knee-length red dress that was quite revealing.
"Where is Harry? I sent him through first while holding off other Death Eaters with Remus! Oh my god! Remus! We need to help him!" the woman was now crying.Regulus didn't know how to handle a crying woman. He certainly didn't want her tears to ruin his dress robes.
"Unhand me, woman!" He forcibly removed her grasp from him and took a couple of steps back. "You've mistaken me for my brother. I am Regulus Artucrus Black. Sirius Black no longer lives in this house. He was disowned and, as far as I know, he lives at the Potters' house."The woman looked at him, baffled.
"Don't be ridiculous," the woman said, and he gave her 'the look.' She looked around the room, seemingly processing everything, before finally turning to him with wide eyes. "The next thing I hear from you is that you want to wash your mouth out with soap."
"1976!" she paced back and forth and then suddenly slapped herself. Regulus was quite sure the woman was a bit unhinged."What a year is this?" the woman asked. "When I woke up this morning, it was August 8, 1976," Regulus said."1976!" she exclaimed, her eyes filled with confusion."Where's Sirius? Oh, wait, you already answered that."Regulus watched the woman as she seemed deep in thought.
"Who are you, and how did you Floo into our house?" Regulus asked her."Oh, Nothing important really" she replied. "I just Flooed here because I thought Sirius was still here. Yeah, something like that.""Yeah right." He answered unamusely.
"Pray tell how did you Floo here when we definitely block this Floo network during gathering and activate only the one new the entrance of the house?" he said, pointing his wand at her. "I'll ask you again, how were you able to Floo directly into the house, which is under the Fidelius Charm? Who are the Death Eaters, who is Harry, and what do you want from my brother?"
The girl just stared at him.
Regulus finally snapped. He swished his wand and cast a disarming spell at her. "Expelliarmus!"
"Protego! What the hell are you doing? Are you mental?" the woman shrieked."Insindio!"
He sent another spell her way. Probably not the best spell since they are inside the house, he is just picked. The woman sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the spell. He sent several spells towards her, actually just two binding spell, but the woman blocked them all which also result to porperty damage. His mother will definitely be livid. She didn't throw a single offensive spell towards him. She was an impressively skilled duelist, making him even more suspicious. Finally, he managed to catch her off guard, and a binding spell hit her. The woman fell to the floor. He grinned, walked over, and took her wand.
"Now answer my questions."
"I warn you. Release me now." The furious woman said to him.He sneered.
"You're in no place to warn me. Now answer my questions, and I will hand you over to the Aurors," he bluffed, although he had no intention of calling any Aurors into the House, given its many dark artifacts. He would not take any risks.
"I've already answered your questions. I do not know why I connected to this Floo. It was Sirius who told me the address before. Harry is my friend, and I know you have a fair idea of who the Death Eaters are. Now release me. It is clear to me now that I've come to the wrong place. Please..." The woman pleaded.
"No, not yet. I will hand you over to Lord Crouch; he's from the Ministry. You trespassed in our house, and you were clearly not invited to the ball," he said.
"Lord Crouch?! You know he's very paranoid, right? He'll surely not hand me to Aurors! He'll send me to Azkaban immediately!" she was clearly alarmed.He contemplated. The woman was right about Lord Crouch; he personally didn't like the man. Lord Crouch gave him the creeps.
"Okay. I will personally take you to the Ministry instead." Then a thought hit him. He remembered what Rabastan had told them earlier. If he handed her to the Lord, it might help him recruit his father's support as the next Minister. His father would be grateful to him for saving them the trouble of the Aurors. "On second thought, I will just hand you over to the Lord. He knows better what to do with you," he said.
"Lord who?" the woman asked."Lord Voldemort," he casually mentioned. The next thing he knew, he heard her saying "stupefy," and he found himself flying to the other side of the room, everything going black.