August 30, 1986
1:00 pm
Black Manor
Regulus was battling a fierce migraine. He sat in the Family Study at the Black Manor, which his grandfather, Artucrus Black III, resided in. He was surrounded by a group of old, bickering relatives who hardly gave one another the chance to complete their arguments. His grandfather Artucrus and Pollux, along with his uncles Cygnus and Alphard Black, was seated at a long family table. His father, Orion, sat at the head, with Regulus at his right side.
"Why did you support the revival of the Fleamont House, Orion? You're only giving the Potters more reasons to regain their seat!" Cygnus exclaimed in outrage. His pungent and flabby face was creased as if he was suffering from a stomachache.
"Cygnus, relax. I believe supporting the revival of the House won't harm us. The entire wizarding world is going crazy over the Fleamont House's return. Why not align with public sentiment and gain some positive publicity?" Alphard chimed in. In contrast with his brother, the oldest son of Pollux was lean and fit.
"Oh, shut up, Alphard! I've always known you shouldn't babysit any of my children! Look what happened to Andromeda! And now Sirius!" Cygnus retorted.
Regulus groaned. When his father received an invitation from his grandfather Artucrus to visit the Black Manor, they expected it would be about his father's public support for the Fleamont House. However, what they didn't anticipate was the participation of the Family Patriarchs.
"Don't blame me for your apparent parenting failure, Cygnus. I have every right to make decisions as the head of the Ancillary Branch of the House of Black. Besides, Sirius is my favorite nephew, and he didn't run away to the Potters but to our relative, Dorea Black, who happens to be our aunt, if your memory hasn't failed you. If you're throwing a tantrum because I didn't recognize Andromeda as still part of the family, that's not my fault. She ran away with a Muggle-born. But if only you had shown that you still care about your daughter, I would have acknowledged her. After all, she still carries the blood of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black," Alphard said, lacing his words with sarcasm.
Cygnus stood up and drew his wand, and Alphard did the same. "I dare you to try, Cygnus. I don't recall you winning any of our duels."
"Don't you dare mock me! I don't want that ungrateful child anymore! And don't treat me like I'm an imbecile! Do you think I wouldn't wonder how 'that girl' managed to survive after running away and hiding with 'that' Mudblood? She should not be able to get a job, and if she did, it would be lower than a house-elf's work. Yes, dear brother, it's curious, isn't it? Unless... she got help. But who would help a disowned pureblood in the wizarding world? Someone just did recently. So perhaps it wasn't the first time?" Cygnus smirked at Alphard.
"SILENCE!" Pollux Black shouted, slamming his hand on the table. "Lower your wands!" The two wizards hesitantly obeyed their father. "The matter of 'your daughter,' Cygnus, has been settled long ago. It won't be brought up at this table again! I called this family meeting to clarify the House of Black's standing due to our recent movements. Both of you, GROW UP!"
Regulus couldn't help but crack a smile. His father shot him a reprimanding look, and he quickly pretended to cough.
"Allow me to explain, Father?" Regulus asked.
"Go ahead," Orion replied.
Regulus leaned closer to the table and placed his right hand on it. "Gentlemen, I understand that recent events have been confusing. The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black has been influencing Wizarding politics for over a millennium, but we didn't achieve it solely through power. We formed alliances with many families to strengthen our position. I assure you that we still uphold our family motto. However, in recent years, public sentiment has become crucial. We've been seen as a dark family, feared rather than revered, and tolerated instead of respected. During my study of our business history, I noticed a decline in our overseas business, particularly in importing potion ingredients from South Africa. The investigation revealed that new resources are more available in Asia than South Africa, but the wizards there distrust our family's reputation. Given recent events, I got an idea. Uncle Alphard is correct, and you've seen how the wizarding world has embraced the revival of the Fleamont House. The Potters skillfully used the media in their favor. So, why not use this opportunity to garner public favor without being obvious? Why not utilize the media to our advantage without needing to bribe them? Lastly, why not form new alliances that would greatly benefit our family?"
"I can't help but be persuaded by your idea, grandson. I'm just a little concerned about our existing alliances," Pollux said.
"Worry not, grandfather. Our current alliances with other purebloods remain strong. Although we supported the revival of the Fleamont House, we didn't grant them the seat. This reassures our allies. Also, we've gained more than the Potters. The revival of the Fleamont House only divided the Potter's wealth. AFter all the Potter, even without a seat on the Wizengamot, they still wield considerable influence over the Ministry and the public. Thanks mainly to the influence of the current Patriarch Henry Potter. That's likely why our great-grandfather Sirius allowed Aunt Dorea to marry into the Potter family. Now, it's time to exploit that connection to the fullest. I'm pleased to inform you that this morning, some Light Families that had aligned with the Potters expressed their intention to meet with us. Not all plans will materialize immediately, but as the heir, I assure you everything has been set in motion."
HIs grandfather Artucrus still seemed unsure. "Sorry, Regulus, but I doubt Dorea would be helpful to us. She is a Black, but she also inherited the stubborn and rebellious streak of the Black family. How do you plan to convince her?"
"With all due respect, grandfather, who said we're going to convince her?" Regulus grinned. "I mentioned using the Black family's connection to the Potters, but that doesn't mean we need to make them allies. Let the public draw their conclusions to the point where the Potters won't be able to publicly deny anything."
Cygnus laughed. "That's very cunning, nephew. A true Slytherin in the family!"
"Indeed. You've taught your son well, Orion," Artucrus agreed.
Orion Black grinned at Regulus. "What can I say? I'm also very impressed."
Regulus beamed at his father's compliment. Although he wasn't entirely thrilled to be the Heir, he would do his best to fulfill his duties.
"Well, that is very convincing and brilliant, indeed," Pollux said. "Now, I'd like to address another matter. I'd like to know the House's stance on Lord Voldemort's cause. My son Cygnus informed me that you've already met with him weeks ago. We've waited long enough for your response."
Everyone in the room fell silent, awaiting Orion's reply. Regulus was also curious about the private conversation between his father and Lord Voldemort.
"Before I answer that question, roll up your sleeves," Orion said.
"What? For what reason?" Cygnus asked. Regulus frowned but rolled up his sleeves, noticing that his grandfather Artucrus and Pollux did the same, as did his Uncle Alphard.
"Just roll them up, Cygnus," Pollux ordered. Cygnus sighed and complied.
Regulus saw his grandfather Artucrus gasp. His Uncle's arm bore an odd marking, the same as his grandfather Pollux – a skull eating a snake.
"I see. So, you've allowed yourself to be marked, Cygnus. Do you recognize this, Father?" Orion asked.
Artucrus turned pale. "I can't say," the old man whispered.
Regulus frowned, not understanding the significance of the tattoo. "What's the big deal with the tattoo?" he began to ask, but his question was interrupted by his Uncle Alphard's exclamation.
"You fool!" Alphard stood and grabbed his brother's collar. "You've let yourself become a pawn of that man! Where's your honor?"
Cygnus swatted Alphard's hand away. "You dare to question my honor? I've aligned myself with a noble cause. I'm not like you, who let those pests ruin our blood. This is proof that I've taken steps to save our world."
"You're a Death Eater! A true Black would never bow to another wizard!" Alphard bellowed.
Regulus clutched his head, feeling as if it might split open. His migraine had intensified, and a familiar voice echoed in his head, "You have a fair idea who the Death Eaters are..." He groaned, still holding his head. He heard the two voices stop shouting in the background.
"Are you okay, son?" He heard his father's voice near him and felt his father's hands on his shoulders.
"I... My head hurts for some reason," he said, sweat forming on his forehead.
"I didn't know you weren't feeling well. We were planning to go to Diagon Alley to get some potion ingredients once you felt better. But if you're not, I'll take you to St Mungo's." Regulus just nodded.
"Dusky!" Grandfather Artucrus called, and an old elf appeared. "Escort young Regulus to the room next to mine."
"Grandfather, there's no need," Regulus protested. "It's just a mild headache. I'm feeling better now."
"Are you certain?" His grandfather Artucrus asked in concern.
"Yes."
"Very well, you may stay," his grandfather Artucrus relented and dismissed the elf. "Now, you two," the old man addressed the two older Black family members who were still standing. "Sit down, and anyone who tries to hex anyone or Merlin forbid resort to muggle fight will be dealt with severely."
"My apologies, brother," Pollux said to Artucrus while glaring at his two sons. "I want to make it clear that my son's association with the Death Eaters has my full knowledge and approval."
Alphard widened his eyes in disbelief. "You too, Father?"
"Yes, son," Pollux replied, rolling up his sleeves to reveal the same dark mark. He then turned his attention to Orion. "I've done this when you weren't yet the Head, Orion. I've supported the Lord ever since I met him twenty years ago. As you might have heard, he's indeed the Heir of Salazar Slytherin. I assure you that this information is accurate."
Cygnus supplied, "My father is right. I witnessed it myself when the Lord spoke to a snake. He's also a great wizard, and his magical abilities rival or even surpass Dumbledore's."
Everyone waited for Orion's reply. "It's true that I've spoken with Lord Voldemort. However, I can't share the details of our conversation because I made an Unbreakable Vow." Regulus was shocked. He now understood how confidential the conversation had been, given the need for an Unbreakable Vow. "But, as I told Lord Voldemort, I won't prevent any of my family members from joining his group. I also won't forbid you from providing financial support as long as it comes from your own vault. Furthermore, we agreed that no member of the House of Black should be recruited against their will."
"So, you've decided to take a passive stance on this matter? You're treading on dangerous ground, Orion," Pollux said.
"I'm choosing the best stance for the House. If I fully supported the Lord, I believe it wouldn't benefit the House at all." Cygnus was about to object, but his father raised his hand. "You've heard my son outline the plans. This is to ensure that our House can seize every opportunity."
"What about you, not as the Head, but as an individual?" Pollux further inquired.
"I will also join the group. After all the living Blacks are marked."
Same day, around 2:30 pm
Diagon Alley
Hermione was with Sirius, James, and Charlus Potter. They were in Gringotts to draw some of her blood and add it to the Fleamont registry to obtain her own vault key. Cousin Charlus was currently talking to a grumpy goblin. Hermione also needed to procure school materials for Hogwarts once again. Her cousin Dorea had previously shopped for her school supplies, but Hermione, being an incoming fifth-year in this time, had mistakenly grabbed books intended for sixth years. She was technically only 15 years old, turning 16, making her a fifth-year according to Hogwarts rules. She groaned at her oversight, realizing she might be the oldest witch in her year. James and Sirius, whom she had only just met yesterday, seemed to take it upon themselves to remind her of this fact constantly. They acted like older brothers, especially James, while Sirius appeared to take her lack of response to his constant flirting as a challenge. Hermione cringed when she overheard Sirius discussing sending her a prank marriage proposal while she was at Hogwarts. Now, the two boys tagged along with her and Cousin Charlus to Gringotts.
Mentally relieved that she was sorted into Ravenclaw, Hermione knew she wouldn't have the constant company of the two Marauders in Hogwarts. The process at Gringotts was tedious, but she ultimately obtained her vault key and withdrew some galleons. As they exited the bank, a man blocked their path.
"Boss, sorry to interrupt, but there's an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention. Code Merlin," the man said.
Hermione saw Charlus' calm face turn grim. "How many?" he asked.
"The Bones Patriarch and Matriarch, and..." the man's eyes shifted towards Hermione. Charlus followed the gaze.
"Children, I need to go to the Ministry. James and Sirius, I trust that you can assist your cousin in purchasing her school books?" Charlus gave the boys a warning look.
"No problem, Uncle. Everything is under control," Sirius grinned.
"Yes, Father. You can go to the Ministry for Merlin. We promise that Hermione will return to the house in one piece," James said seriously, though Hermione was sure he was just acting.
"We will protect her honor, Uncle. No man can come within three feet of our fair maiden!" Sirius chimed in.
Charlus was unconvinced. "Stay out of trouble, or there will be no Quidditch at all." The two boys gasped in horror, then Charlus left with a very satisfied grin.
"He's not serious, right?" James asked Hermione.
"Of course not! I am Sirius!" Sirius said with a satisfied grin.
Both Hermione and James groaned.
"What? I am Sirius being seriously Sirius because I am always Sirius!"
Hermione whacked him, and James playfully locked Sirius in a headlock.
"Ouch! It tickles, hahaha, and it hurts! Let go, James! Help! Hermione, help!" Hermione pretended not to hear anything.
They passed the Quidditch store, and James released his friend. The two boys gawked at the window display of the latest Cleansweep broom. Hermione rolled her eyes and cleared her throat.
"Hermione, we just remembered something very important. We need to get some new... cauldrons for the Potion Class. Right, James?" Sirius said.
"Yeah! Sirius is right. It's very important to get cauldrons. Slughorn is insistent that we purchase them as soon as possible," James nodded.
Hermione stopped herself from rolling her eyes again. "But," she said innocently and looked at the ground. She pretended to fidget. "I thought you were going to accompany me to the bookstore. You even promised Cousin Charlus."
The two boys looked at each other, both appearing guilty. "Um, okay. We'll accompany you to the store," she pretended to beam and followed the two boys to the bookstore.
Hermione scanned the bookshelves and ran her hand over the books. She picked the ones she needed and then came across an old version of Hogwarts: A History. She grabbed the book and started reading. She only intended to read the preface, but, being herself, she forgot and got consumed in the book. She only stopped when someone tapped her shoulder. She turned and found James.
"Hermione, aren't you done yet?" the boy inquired. Hermione blushed. He looked at the time and realized half an hour had passed. "Oh, take your time!" James quickly said. "I just wanted to let you know that we urgently need to buy the cauldrons, so we're off to the Potions Shop. We'll see you there in 15 minutes. Thanks, Hermione, bye!"
With that, James left immediately with Sirius. They didn't even wait for her response. Hermione proceeded to the counter and paid for all her books. She waited for the 15 minutes to pass and then went to the Potions shop. She entered the store, only to find that the two boys were nowhere to be seen.
"May I help you?" an old man asked.
"Oh, um, have two boys around 16 years old arrived here?" she asked.
"Sorry, Miss, I haven't seen anyone matching your description. I'm only interested in those who want to buy my merchandise. Are you purchasing something?" the old man glared at her.
"Oh... I'll browse the stall first," she said. The man grunted and left her. She walked to the inner part of the store and looked at the labels on the potion bottles. Sleeping Draught, Pepper-Up Potion version 2... she mentally read the labels.
"Do you have any more Healing Draught in stock? Give me five bottles and two of the glass flasks displayed in the window."
Hermione heard a man's voice and crept towards it. She saw Sirius standing there, examining other bottles on the shelves. She put a silencing charm on her feet and approached him quietly. She stood very close to him and whispered near his ear.
"What are you doing, Sirius?" she said very slowly, emphasizing every word.
Sirius abruptly turned, causing her to lose balance and fall to the floor. She shrieked and closed her eyes, bracing for the impact, but she didn't feel it. Instead, warm hands supported her waist, and there was a crashing sound in the background.
She opened her eyes and found Black holding her. But it wasn't Sirius; it was REGULUS BLACK!
Regulus never let his guard down; these past few weeks had been intense as his father and grandfather Pollux, had been mentoring him in dueling. That's why he was so surprised when the girl now in his arms had managed to get so close without him noticing. They both stared at each other, equally stunned, in an awkward position that lasted for almost ten seconds before he realized that he was technically hugging the girl. Quickly, he loosened his grip and assisted her in regaining her balance, which caused her to take a step back, creating a distance between them. An awkward atmosphere hung between them.
The girl blushed. "Uh, sorry I startled you. I thought you were someone else."
Déjà vu? Regulus frowned; the girl looked familiar, but he couldn't quite place where he might have met her. "Have we met before?" he asked.
That question seemed to catch her off guard. "I... I... don't think so? I mean, I'm new here, so there's no way we've met before," she replied, giving him an awkward smile. He couldn't help but eye her suspiciously.
"I'm really sorry for sneaking up on you. I'll leave you to your own devices," the girl said, taking a step toward the exit.
"What happened here?!" a voice shouted, startling them both. They turned to see a furious old man looking at the broken potion vials.
"She broke them," Regulus said immediately, pointing to the girl near the exit.
The girl gasped. "I did not!"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I might be the proximate cause, but it's not entirely my fault! We're both guilty," she defended herself.
He scoffed. "You're the immediate and direct cause of the accident. Don't try to shift the blame onto me when I just happened to be standing here."
"I don't care who's at fault here! Either way, one or both of you need to pay for them!" the old man said, then turned to the girl. "Who are you? If you can't pay, I'll send the bill to your parents."
"What! You're not even going to let me explain?"
Regulus sighed; his headache seemed to be returning. "Mr. Winnman, add the broken vials to my bill. All of them," he requested.
The old man beamed and handed him the vials of potions and the two glass flasks, which he placed in a bag. Regulus shrank the bag and put it in his pocket.
"That's 50 galleons for the five vials of Healing Draught, 4 galleons for the flasks, and 100 galleons for the broken potions. You must understand, Young Lord Black, there were ten vials broken on the floor, and..." Mr. Winnman began, but Regulus gestured for him to stop and handed the man 154 galleons.
"I'm very pleased to do business with you, Young Lord Black," Mr. Winnman said, grinning.
Regulus nodded and headed toward the door. The girl followed him.
"Um, Mr. Black?" she walked up to him.
"Halt," he said, finite-ing the potion bag and drinking one of the Healing Draught bottles. "You don't have to repay me. Just do yourself a favor and stop mistaking people for someone else."
"What—!" She huffed. "Don't be ridiculous! I will pa—Are you alright?"
The girl's worried voice hung in the background, but Regulus clutched his head as his headache intensified. 'Don't be ridiculous... Don't be ridiculous... "Are you alright?" Don't be ridiculous...' The words kept repeating in his head. "Arghhh!" he groaned and leaned against the door.
"Mr. Black? Are you alright?" the girl called him, and then he felt her hand on his forehead. "Regulus?"
Regulus opened his eyes, grasped the girl's hand, and spun her between him and the door. "Who are you really? And stop talking because your voice is like a screaming banshee in my head!" he glowered at her.
"Get off her!" he heard a familiar voice. "Stupefy!"
He ducked, narrowly missing the hex, then immediately turned and cast a curse. "Expelliarmus!"
The man sidestepped. "Regulus?" the man said in disbelief. Regulus focused his gaze on the stranger's face and his anger grew.
"Brother," he spat. It was his brother, Sirius Orion Black, standing before him. He couldn't help but feel anger toward his brother, who had abandoned him and their family for another. What was so special about this day that he seemed to meet all his relatives?
"Reggy," Sirius whispered and started walking toward him.
"Stop calling me that!" Sirius stopped. Regulus took a deep breath and tried to calm down. The headache was still there, but he pulled himself together. He looked at his brother, who was now standing with the girl he'd pinned against the door earlier. The scene seemed very familiar, but he brushed it off. "You know what? Just forget it, and don't stop me this time," he said, turning to leave.
"What's happening here?" Regulus heard someone inquire and looked up to find his father standing in front of him.
"Father, there's nothing to worry about. Just a little misunderstanding," he said, forcing himself to straighten up.
"He's not feeling well," the girl said. He gave her a menacing glare, but the girl didn't seem to notice. She walked closer, accompanied by a very awkward Sirius, and bowed to his father as a sign of respect. "Lord Black, I apologize for causing this misunderstanding. I'm Hermione Helen Prince Fleamont, and this is Sirius Orion Black, who is accompanying me today. I've caused great discomfort for your son, mistaking him for Sirius and causing a little accident. But I believe that's not the most important issue right now. I noticed that your son isn't feeling well and appears to have a fever."
Orion Black immediately cast a standard diagnostic spell. "Fool. Let's go back home and call a healer," the head of the Black family said, addressing the girl. He never took his eyes off the man standing next to Hermione. "I can't say that I'm delighted to finally meet you here, Lady Fleamont. Nonetheless, I'll excuse anything that's happened today. I do hope we can meet in better circumstances in the future," Regulus's father added.
"As do I, Lord Black," Lady Fleamont replied, bowing again to bid her farewell. Regulus also bowed toward her as the proper heir.
Regulus and his father walked toward the apparition point. His father placed a hand on Regulus's shoulder. "What do you think of the lady?"
Regulus sneered. "Insufferable, and I hope not to meet her again."
Orion Black chuckled, and Regulus felt the pull of apparition.
Regulus Black sat alone in his room, the dim light from a single candle casting long, wavering shadows on the dark, richly decorated walls. It was a rare moment of solitude in the Black Manor, a place where secrets whispered in the corridors were as common as the creaking of the old floorboards.
The day had been nothing short of peculiar, and Regulus couldn't help but revisit the encounters that had unfolded earlier.
"Diagon Alley, a place where witches and wizards from all walks of life converged. I had ventured there with an insufferable headache that had been plaguing me for weeks, feeling the weight of my family's expectations on my shoulders."
He took a deep breath, contemplating the sequence of events that had followed. Regulus leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the candle's flickering flame.
"In the apothecary, I was drawn into an unexpected confrontation. The girl presence had a disorienting effect on me, and it was there that my headache returned with a vengeance. She and I argued with the shop owner, who accused her of breaking potions. I paid for the damages, but my condition worsened, and I found myself eager to leave the chaotic scene."
He brought his hand to his temple, reliving the pain that had surged through him.
"Then came the encounter with Sirius, my estranged brother who had willingly severed ties with the Black family. Our anger and resentment hung in the air, but the girl had misidentified me as Sirius. A strange sense of déjà vu filled the space, though I dismissed it as mere coincidence."
Regulus sighed, his thoughts drifting to the past.
"As we prepared to leave, my headache reached a crescendo. 'Are you alright?' Her words echoed in my mind, and I couldn't shake the strange sensation. I chided myself not to be ridiculous, yet the discomfort lingered."
He recalled the confusing and disorienting moments that had followed.
"Finally, Father arrived on the scene, and Hermione offered her apologies. Her concern for my well-being earned Father's appreciation. We parted ways, and I found myself grateful to be back in the solitude of my room."
Regulus Black remained seated in the dimly lit room, the day's events playing out in his mind. He was left to ponder the enigmatic déjà vu and the inexplicable headache that had plagued him throughout the day. He has budding suspicion that his headaches occurs more frequently whenever he hears her name.
EDIT 10/12