Barty had always known that his family was wealthy. Much, much, wealthier than many other families. But he still could objectively say that Regulus's family, the Blacks, took the word 'wealthy' to an insane level, much like they did in everything else.
The Blacks were ridiculously rich, they were practically royalty - owning a bit of everything in Wizarding Britain. Which is why for Regulus, giving out diamond imbued jewelry for each of his closest friends on their birthdays would probably be as easy as flipping his hands.
That didn't mean giving out jewelry was to be done so casually just because one could.
Barry eyed the jewelry on his sister's hands with utmost caution - and a whole lot of disbelief. Receiving jewelry as a gift was not something trifle - there were implications. Serious implications. The pureblood custom dictated that jewelry, as a gift between a man and a woman, symbolize a deep feeling or affection. Between two houses it would be a gift that start betrothal discussion. His sister had probably realized those implications by now.
"That- that utter git!"
- Or maybe not.
Madeline rushed to stand up after she apparently figured out Regulus's reason, accusing eyes locked on the necklace, "That boy thinks just because he sent me pretty jewelry he wouldn't have to apologize for being a git, doesn't he? And using his family name to remind me of who he is-!"
Barty deadpanned. Surely Madeline couldn't be that dense -? Oh who was he kidding, Madeline could definitely be that dense in a matter like this.
He sat awkwardly as Madeline glared at the note in the gift, exchanging a wary glance with mother. "Er, I'm pretty sure that's not it, Maddy."
"Of course that's it!"
He winced. Madeline's voice was bordering shrill just then.
To be honest, Barty didn't know which one was worse. Madeline's entirely wrong conclusion or Regulus's audacity to send his sister a courting gift. But. If Madeline's entirely wrong conclusion told him one thing, it was that she wasn't ready. Regulus would only scare her away if this was truly a courting gift. Besides, it was foolish of Regulus to send something like this after they had a disagreement. Barty doubted that Madeline would react positively even if she realized its true meaning.
He really didn't want to intervene. But... well. Looking at his furious sister, Barty thought Regulus would rather appreciate his help.
He put himself in front of his sister, drawing her attention. "Maddy, you have to understand, his family is one pretentious bunch. Regulus probably just doesn't know what to give you and thinks that jewelry is a safe option."
"A safe option would be a book, Barty," Madeline scoffed, showing him the necklace. It was truly beautiful in its simplicity. Definitely would suit Madeline's delicate neck well. "This? This must be a bribe. Why else would he give me this beautiful, undoubtedly expensive gift?"
Yes, why else would a bloke give a pretty girl a beautiful, expensive necklace?
Barty had to fight to maintain a blank face. His sister was an idiot.
"Madeline, dear," Mother called all the sudden, finally breaking out of her own stupor. She appeared next to them, her face grave as her wand tugged the necklace, inspecting it for enchantment. "I'm afraid this is not some common jewelry."
At the flick of the wand, a dark, malicious shroud came out of the necklace.
That, was unexpected.
Barty observed the dark shroud with not a little intrigue. His private lessons, advanced as they might be, haven't reached the point where they teach him how to identify a curse in an object. But he knew enough that even with the help of a detection spell, it would be hard to see the magical residue around a cursed object. This necklace though... The magical residue was thick and obvious. Clearly it was a strong a curse placed in the necklace. Barty shifted his attention to his sister, wondering if his sister found the curse as interesting as he did.
Horrified - was the best word to describe Madeline's expression.
"I... I sensed something, but - but I didn't know.. Is that truly..."
"A very powerful muggle-repellant curse," Mother said with a nod. Madeline recoiled. "If you even have a trace of muggles in you, such as the case in many muggleborns, you would not be able to hold it for long before it burned your skin. He must be serious."
Barty and Mother exchanged another look. This kind of curse was appropriate to put into the gifts exchanged between two betrothed from a traditional pureblood family. It was to ensure the preservation of the house's purity, and by Mother's reaction, the curse must be quite strong. The kind that already strengthened from the decades as it was kept away in the depth of a family vault.
"He sent me a cursed necklace?"
Barty snapped his head to Madeline so hard it hurt. There was clear horror on her face, her eyes locked on the necklace as if it was cursed.
Well. It was indeed cursed- But really, it was mostly harmless!
"Maddy," Barty tried, slow and gentle. His sister appeared to be still in shock, "Maddy, sister, you are a known, legitimate, pureblood daughter."
Which means cursing her was never Regulus's intention. It was simply a show of how serious he was with the union of their houses.
"Does Regulus Black hate me?" She whispered, clearly not listening to his wise words. "But how did that even happen? I am the one who was supposed to be mad at him! - Or was he mad at me first?"
Barty groaned, dropping his head on his hands. Mother had retreated quietly, whispering how she needed to send an owl to Father.
Now what to do?
.
The letter said to wait for a floo call on the 30th, exactly at one o'clock, and to make sure that he was alone.
Regulus briefly wondered if Barty Crouch had never made a floo call before - floo call wasn't supposed to be scheduled. To schedule it defeats the purpose of practicality in its function. Then again, if discretion was his aim, Regulus supposed floo call could also be used like this.
The hearth of the fireplace warmed when a small fire erupted. There, amongst the flaming coal, appeared the silhouette of a familiar head, expression settled in a scowl.
"Are you stupid?"
What a charming way to open a conversation.
"Good afternoon to you too, Barty."
"You can't just give her a courting gift after you ignored her for months!" Barty Crouch shouted in a whisper.
"But I didn't," Regulus said lightly, feigning ignorance. The younger boy didn't bother with pleasantries so neither would he. "It's not a courting gift. Just a gift worthy to be a courting gift. An official courting gift would be after the betrothal contract is agreed upon by both families. There is no betrothal contract currently standing, therefore the necklace is just a sign of good will between friends."
"But it's from your family vault!"
"Which means," Regulus asserted with a winning smile, "that my family supported our friendship."
The disbelief on Barty's face was hilarious.
"You made that up!" He hissed. "I know what jewelry means!"
Regulus shook his head, "It truly doesn't have to mean anything for your sister, Barty."
A stubborn, hard, angry look was sent on his way.
Regulus conceded with a sigh.
"No, really. It doesn't have to mean anything for your sister. Perhaps she could take it as a token of friendship - or maybe an apology gesture. I did wrong her this term, as you pointed out earlier." Barty frowned at this, quietly muttering 'so Maddy. was right'. Regulus continued anyway. "But you are correct that it's indeed a customary courting gift. My mother let me send it as a gift for your sister as she is already aware of... my intention towards your sister. For me, it means that my family approves of my choice."
Barty stared at him in disbelief, before huffing.
"So the necklace is more about you and your family than about her."
Regulus tilted her head, "in a way."
He allowed the younger boy to ponder his non-answer, the crackle of fire accompanying them quietly. Regulus let his eyes wander to the piano, a small smile escaping his stoic composure after some time. In truth, the reason for his gift was far more complicated than anything he could have said. Yes, it provided him the opportunity to see his family's thoughts on Madeline Crouch as a potential bride. But it was hardly his main reason to give her a necklace.
His other reasons were harder to explain. How could he tell Barty that the thought of Madeline wearing something he had given was highly pleasing for him? Something of his, adorning her pale, small, fragile neck. He had wanted to touch her neck since that night when she blushed prettily in front of him. Her face a few breaths away from his. Perhaps, with his necklace, his touch could linger on her neck, however indirectly.
There was also another urge - an urge to mark her as his. To show those other guys that she was spoken for. That she already belonged to him.
Another reason for the necklace - He just thought it would look pretty on her. A pretty necklace for a pretty neck.
"It's still too early to give her any jewelry," Barty said at the end of his pondering, breaking Regulus's own train of thought.
Regulus shrugged.
"What does it matter if i give it to her this year or the next? The necklace would have made its way to her hands either way."
Barty sighed. "You're so stupid."
He frowned. What part of his gesture was stupid, exactly? He wanted to give her something to wear, something pretty that would suit her well. At the same time, he managed to acquire his family's thoughts on the witch he fancied. It was rather ingenious of him, in his opinion.
"How did she react to my gift?" He asked instead.
The flat look Barty gave him told him something was wrong. A sudden dread fell upon him.
"She thinks you hate her."
He blinked. "But I gave her jewelry?"
He had expected something like 'it didn't impress her', or 'she thinks it's ugly'. Or perhaps even a 'she hates it'. But she thought he hated her? How on earth did she come to that conclusion? Jewelries could only mean good things!
Barty shook his head, sighing, "You're so stupid."
He opened his mouth, a dozen questions already on the tip of his tongue. But the sound of footsteps came from the corridor, quickly approaching the room. Regulus sat straighter before returning his attention to Barty.
"You should go. I'm leaving soon."
Barty blinked. "Vacation?"
"Family duties," he replied dryly.
A look of intrigue appeared on Barty's face, but the boy ended the floo call without saying any parting words.
That boy clearly needed remedial etiquette lessons.
It was then that the limping figure of his brother entered the floo room. A scowl fixed on his face though it hardly masked the occasional pained look every time he took a step forward. Regulus quickly stood up and approached Sirius, ready to help if Sirius ever needed an arm to lean on.
But of course, Sirius never needed his help.
He watched as his brother let out a hissed pain before plopping down on the couch. Regulus's hanging hands returned to his sides.
"Does it still hurt?"
"What do you think?" Sirius growled.
Regulus stared at Sirius bandaged foot until he couldn't anymore. He took a seat beside him. "I'm sorry."
"You said that already."
"I know. But I'm still sorry."
After all, Sirius wouldn't have been punished if he had just resumed his plan to spend the yule holiday at the Potters. It was Regulus who begged him to attend the New Year gathering - though he was surprised that Sirius relented.
(In another life, Regulus never begged. And Sirius never relented.)
A long, exhausted sigh was heard. "Why are you even trying, Reg? You know the family hates me."
"We don't hate you, Sirius," Regulus denied for the hundredth time, equally exhausted. "Even Mother still has hope for you. That's why she is.. furious when you disappoint her."
Sirius scoffed. "It's not as if I'll ever make them proud. Nor do I want to," he ended with a sneer.
Regulus shook his head. "Just tell them you won't leave us like our former cousin."
It was the crux of the problem, that kiss with that mudblood. The pain from Andromeda's betrayal hadn't healed yet, and Sirius's action was poking that still bleeeding wound. While Regulus hated Sirius's punishment, he also acknowledged that Sirius had erred.
Still...
He took another glimpse at the bandages. Mother was too harsh this time. Regulus had to occlude just to repress Sirius' screams.
"Meda is still our cousin, whether they like it or not. You would think blood matters more than whatever feud this family has."
Regulus huffed. "She ran away, Sirius. She didn't even talk to Cissa of her plan. That is a betrayal."
"Cissa would have tattled."
"Cissa would have advised her to be smarter," he retorted.
Sirius scowled. "Cissa would have belittled her. She could be as pompous as that Malfoy jerk."
Regulus bristled. "If she did, it would be well within her rights. It was foolish to fall in love with a mudblood."
His brother's head turned sharply to him. "You only say that because you haven't felt it. Try imagine were that sweetheart of yours is a mud- muggleborn."
Regulus was offended in Madeline's place. He inhaled and exhaled, not deigning Sirius with any response.
The brothers sat in silence, an old argument buried once again.
"Good. You're both here."
Orion Black sauntered into the room, dark robe seemingly consumed the light around it. The man was not bothered in the slightest by the tension in the room he entered. Regulus rose from the couch out of respect, and while Sirius didn't follow his action, his brother could be seen straightening his posture.
"Regulus. Go first. I need to talk to your brother first."
Father and Sirius stared at each other, a cold gaze meeting a blazing fire. Regulus muttered a quiet "yes father" before he walked into the floo. Whatever talk they were about to have, Regulus hoped they would settle it without another session of the skin burning curse.
"Black Castle!"
.
Regulus breathed slowly as he took in the view of the sea. As a little kid, he was always too intimidated to stay in his room at the Black castle. The water was dark and raging, here in the North sea. Thunderous waves swallowing the silence of his room. There were too many windows in his room, the balcony spacious but unwelcoming, what with only the raging sea as his view.
He always sneaked into Sirius's room to spend the nights there. Sirius's room was right next to him, but his balcony faced the courtyard instead of the sea outside their castle. Governing the castle, instead of facing the outside threats of the sea. His was warmer, farther from the raging sea.
From Sirius's balcony, the night sky was accompanied by the lights from the castle.
From Regulus's balcony, he saw the dark ocean meeting the equally dark sky, and he couldn't tell where one started and where the other ended. Like an endless void.
It was currently noon, though. He could see the horizon well enough.
Regulus decided he had to spend the night here. He would be fourteen in a couple of weeks. He couldn't run to Sirius's room all the time.
Despite the loud crashing sound of the waves, Regulus could still hear the soft knocking on his door. The door, after all, was enchanted, as was everything else in the castle. He willed the castle to open the door, and the castle obeyed.
Narcissa stood regal in her black dress, though her hand, playing with the necklace on her chest, betrayed her nerves. She quickly joined him on the balcony.
"Is it true? Is Sirius here?"
His heart clenched at the hope in her voice, barely concealed. Sirius really had no idea. He had no idea how their family treasured him.
Regulus nodded. "Yes. He must be sulking somewhere."
Narcissa wet her lips, before allowing a tiny smirk. "I can't decide whether he is brave or stupid. But I suppose he was sorted into Gryffindor."
Regulus hummed, eyes still locked to the sea. Maybe... maybe he could ask Evan to lend him the lightning storm clouds. It would certainly be a nice company for the night.
"I suppose we have you to thank for?"
Regulus stilled at Narcissa's words, before turning to face his cousin. "Whatever do you mean?"
Narcissa sniffed. "I'm sure Sirius would have preferred spending his holiday with his Gryffindor friends to meeting dear old Bellatrix. Uncle Orion would not bother ordering Sirius around, always choosing to let him do as he pleases, while Aunt Walburga was very close to disowning him after that nasty rumor. So that leaves only you to convince our stubborn heir to come here."
Regulus looked away. "I didn't do much."
He just begged. In the end, it was Sirius who made that choice.
"Still, you might have as well saved this family."
"That's rather absurd," Regulus said, amused.
Narcissa hummed, approaching the edge of the balcony in her own time. She warily took a look on the furious sea below. "Well, try imagine a gathering of a family without the presence of the apparent heir. It just reflects instability and uncertainty. Not to mention the divide..."
"There will still be a divide," Regulus pointed out, and pausing when he saw Narcissa's face fall. "I mean, I suppose as long as we stay together to work on it..."
A smile bloomed on his cousin's face, and Regulus relaxed.
"Exactly my thought."
.
At the 31st, all those who were born Black were gathered in the Black Castle. Regulus found himself surprised when he found Dorea Potter nee Black and Callidora Longbottom nee Black among the guests - Aunt Lucretia he had expected, she was Father's older sister, after all. But Great Aunt Dorea was only Grandfather Cygnus's distant sister, being decades younger than him, and Great Aunt Callidora did not have a sister any longer, what with Charis Crouch's passing - not counting the disowned Cedrella Weasley, of course. Their presence had delighted Great Aunt Cassiopeia so much that the fearsome witch had forgotten to bully Grandfather Arcturus into a duel, as she often did. Even Grandfather Pollux looked to be in a better mood.
Those who were married into the family were not invited, though Regulus knew that some of them were likely to be invited to their own family gathering as well - Grandmother Melanie, for example, had divulged yesterday that the Mcmillan was also holding a family gathering for themselves.
The dinner was a tiresome affair. They were required to be silent unless the host - that was, Grandfather Arcturus, addressed them. They could, essentially, talk out of turn, but only if they stay on the topic that the host decided and include the original addressed person. Grandfather made sure to address each of them at least once, which was why the dinner took what it seemed to be forever. Regulus learned to tune out most of the conversation though he caught some interesting topics as well. Callidora Longbottom, for example, was addressed by grandfather to speak of the late Charis Crouch nee Black. They were sisters, after all, and Regulus was intrigued when he heard that there were books from the Black private collection that Charis Crouch had nicked. Those books were now still hidden, their fate unknown.
"I had intended to visit their residence once," Great Aunt Callidora divulged, "but the Blakeville house is heavily warded against anyone who does not bear the blood of a Crouch and a Black. I heard that her son, Barty Crouch, did not bother with his inheritance, so it fell into her grandchildren's hands. Maybe i could write them a letter?"
It was basically formal gossiping, though no one would call it that.
There was Narcissa who asked about how Lucius was treating her and the recent weddings and betrothals of the other family heirs in her age, uncle Alphard who was asked about his business clients and any rumors he caught, great aunt cassiopeia who was asked about the people she met on her travels, Grandfather pollux who was asked about their Château in Conques, Father and Uncle Pollux who shared the current political climate, and Bellatrix who was asked about her private studies.
Of course then Bella had to mention him.
"Occlumency, Regulus?" Grandfather addressed him for the first time that night.
He straightened his back, putting down his dessert spoon. "Yes, grandfather. I thought it was prudent in this dire time," he replied, voice loud enough to carry his words across the long table.
Grandfather hummed, sharp eyes assessing as he sipped his wine. "Glad to hear one of our heirs is taking initiative to ensure the safety of our family."
"Heirs?" A displeased hiss could be heard.
Grandfather arched a brow to Mother, who looked at least ashamed that she spoke out of turn. But Grandfather indulged her as he replied lightly, "Heirs. Because Sirius and Regulus are both the heirs of our house."
There was stilted silence following Grandfather's statement. A few narrowed eyes while others were genuinely surprised.
Mother put her eating utensils down as she turned seriously to Grandfather, "Uncle. I urge you to reconsider. I thought we have established that Sirius does not fit well the role of our heir?"
Ah yes. Mother's favorite topic.
"He still has his uses," Grandfather replied in clear dismissal.
Sirius stiffened at the callous words, though a scowl quickly took place on his face.
He wasn't alone in his displeasure.
"Grandfather," Bella said sharply. "You can not entertain this idea any longer. Sirius mocks our beliefs! He despised everything our magic stands for, colluding with those bloodtraitors and mudblo-cock-!"
A startled pause.
Everyone looked properly scandalized at Bellatrix, but his cousin looked genuinely shocked herself. Clearly it wasn't voluntary. And when she tried to speak again, she only managed to shout "Mudblo-cock!", over and over again, resembling the clucking of a chicken.
A quiet snort escaped Uncle Alphard, followed by a cough to belatedly cover it.
"Fascinating," said another voice, which Regulus was sure came from Great Aunt Cassiopeia. The old witch looked positively delighted.
That broke Mother out of her shock.
"You-!"
Regulus stiffened at Mother's cry, her fury directly facing Sirius who was poorly feigning ignorance - Because of course it was Sirius. Who else would have caused chaos in the first family meeting after five years? - Meanwhile Great Aunt Cassiopeia was already leaving her seat to approach Bellatrix, one hand holding Bellatrix's jaw while her other hand holding her white wand.
" Tongue-tied curse mixed with compulsion charm, keyed to a specific word?"
"- Worthless boy! Are you incapable of behaving for just one night! - "
"- Must be mixed with something consumed that makes the curse so potent- "
"Mudblo-cock!"
"Sirius," Father glowered, his red face betraying his calm composure. "Reverse the curse this instance."
"Wait, wait, let me investigate it first," said Great Aunt Cassie, still holding a furious Bellatrix down. "I figured out how to replicate it, but a fourth year school boy wouldn't have managed to cast it, let alone casting it nonverbally... There must be a shortcut."
"Mudblo-cock!"
"Oh, hush, Bellatrix," Regulus could practically hear Aunt Cassie rolling her eyes, "You only need to shut your mouth if you're so embarrassed by what comes out of it."
"Have you not managed to control your firstborn, Orion?" Uncle Cygnus said, never missing an opportunity to poke on Father. Both Regulus and Sirius glared at him as Father kept his silence. Mother, of course, had to rise to the occasion.
"Like how you control your second born, brother?" Mother sneered.
Regulus winced.
So much for a peaceful dinner. He scowled at Sirius, who was avoiding everyone's eyes to eat his pudding, looking far too happy for everyone's mood.
Grandfather too, it seemed, had enough of the chaos.
"Return to your seat, cousin," he coldly said to Great aunt Cassie, much to her disappointment. "And Bellatrix, I suggest you keep silent for now."
"Now, now, grandfather," interrupted Sirius, licking off any remaining pudding from his spoon. "If dear Bella insists on repeating the use of her favorite filthy word, then who are we to forbid her? Bella always does as she likes, after all."
Another silence engulfed the diningroom, everyone waiting for the shoe to drop. Waiting for Grandfather's rage. Regulus almost had a heart attack in anticipation. The utter disrespect - ! Why must Sirius be like this? And what a hypocrite he was! Sirius always did what he liked too!
"Sirius."
The call was stern, and to everyone's surprise, there was no rage. Sirius met Grandfather's terrifying eyes, and if anyone ever needed any proof of his bravery, Regulus would refer them to this moment. "Count this as your first warning."
Another silence. Sirius, fortunately, did not give any insolent retort.
"Orion, as the current head of the house, what are your thoughts on the heirship matter?" Grandfather asked Father, fully intending to clear the matter.
Father, predictably, replied in his nonchalant manner, "I defer to your judgment, Father. As I have always done."
A heavy sigh, this time from Aunt Lucretia.
Regulus frowned as the father and son held each other's gaze, as if holding a battle of will. There was something peculiar here...
As a child, He had always thought that father was a dutiful son, always listening to the counsel of his own father. But now that he was older, he could see the nuance of things. And was that... defiance in Father's eyes? That didn't make any sense. Father always listened to Grandfather, so it couldn't be defiance.
Unless...
He observed Father carefully. Could it be that Father.. use his obedience as a defiance? Some sort of twisted form of petty compliance?
Grandfather broke the gaze with a sigh. "Then the matter is settled. Both Sirius and Regulus are the heirs of house Black, with Sirius as the apparent heir."
Silence settled at the table.
He could see that his family was torn, some were displeased - A spoon held too tightly, a clenched jaw - while others looked satisfied - A smirk at the corner of the lips, hidden by another spoonful of their pudding.
But Regulus? Regulus was elated. He had never wanted to be the heir. And with his place as the heir confirmed, perhaps Sirius wouldn't accuse him for trying to steal his spot by being a dutiful son.
Speaking of Sirius,
"Why?" His brother blurted out, breaking the silence. Sirius looked cautious, if not genuinely confused. Almost like he was lost. "Why would you want to keep me as the heir? I'm not exactly the perfect heir material. Everything Bellatrix said is true."
"You spoke out of turn, boy," Grandfather said cooly, instead of answering. "A punishment is in order."
"A punishment for speaking out of turn?" Sirius voiced in disbelief.
"A punishment for all your misbehaviors," Grandfather corrected. "Come."
Then Grandfather rose, heading to the main door that would lead him to his study. His robe billowed in each stride, his shoulder squared. Not once did he take a glance to the back, assured that Sirius would follow his order. Befitting the title of the lord of the castle.
"Dinner is finished," He said, dismissing everyone else.
Sirius gulped before he hurried to follow the man.
.
The next day, well into the afternoon, Regulus let himself relax as he finished his DADA assignment in his room. They had just faced Hinkypunk in the last 2 classes, and he thought he had done rather well. He completed the obstacle course in just 10 minutes, facing 3 hinkypunks who almost lured him off his course. Rabastan didn't do as well - he thought he outwitted the obstacle course by using a tracking spell but it turned out Hinkypunks could mess with those tracking spells. He made certain to put that detail into his essay.
He found himself standing by the balcony once again after some time. Breathing in the breeze, focusing on the ocean sound. Tomorrow he would go home, and would not return to the castle again until Grandfather required his presence. The castle was still intimidating, but he supposed he had grown from the last time he visited. Maybe he could do a little exploring while he was here?
Without any warning, his door was opened harshly.
"Regulus! Where is that bloodtraitor?"
Bellatrix strutted into his room as if she owned it, her eyes screaming murder.
Regulus unconsciously took a step back.
"He's still with grandfather."
That stopped Bellatrix in her tracks, her face contorted into instant delight. "Really? I hope the old man punished him as he deserves! Who knows, maybe that would fix any loose screws in his head!"
Regulus hoped his smile looked genuine. Bella, he thought, wasn't in any place to question anyone's sanity. That instant mood change was still unsettling to see even after seeing it time to time.
To his utmost discomfort, Bella chose to further impose her presence in his room. She walked playfully across his room, distracted by all the objects around her. Touching them, sometimes throwing them away. Regulus watched warily as she touched the flask Evan lended him, opening its lid. In a second, clouds arose from the container and gathered on the ceiling, a lightning storm began in earnest. Bella's eyes glinted as she watched one lightning after another.
"That's pretty. I'm keeping this."
"It's not mine," Regulus quickly said. "It's Evan's. I'm just borrowing them."
Bella made a gesture of dismissal with her hand. "Our little Rosier cousin, you mean? I'll talk to him then."
Regulus winced. Hopefully Evan would forgive him.
It was three minutes later that he realized Bella had no intention to leave his room. She was sprawled on his bed, dark sheet blending with her black dress and a contrast to her pale skin. Watching the lightning storm on the ceiling while humming a familiar tone. He tried his best to ignore her, reading the next chapter in his DADA book while sitting on the window sill, facing the balcony. Boggarts - that was a creature he was already familiar with. There was one in Grimmauld Place's attic.
He couldn't keep his concentration long enough.
"Why did the Dark Lord take Hadrian Proudmore?" He blurted out.
Bella shifted her gaze to him then, a brow arched as her lips curved in an amused smile. Regulus tried to look indifferent, but in reality, his curiosity was almost bursting out of his skin. That question had been occupying his thoughts since he first read the Prophet three days ago.
He knew it was the Dark Lord's doing. The disappearance, the absence of lead for its case. But he still didn't understand why.
"He needs something from the Goblins," Bella divulged happily, not even bothered to feign ignorance. "Proudmore is just a means to the end."
Regulus frowned. "He's a pureblood." And not even the muggle loving kind.
Bella hummed, returning her focus to the ceiling once more.
"And a Gryffindor. Not much of a loss, I say."
His frown deepened.
"Reggie, have you ever wonder why that bloodtraitor is still the heir despite everything?" Bella said suddenly, the complete change of the topic startling him.
He stiffened.
"Not particularly." Yes.
Yes, he had.
Bellatrix was humming again as she rose to approach him, the song's lyrics replacing the hum in some places. He finally recognized the song. The song of his childhood, a lullaby for the children of the Blacks, of the stars and the night.
Oh, children of the night, stars will guide you, stars will shine
She stopped in front of him, standing tall. He hated to be so much lower than her so he stood up. He almost reached her height now.
"I have," Bellatrix said then, her hands slowly cupping the sides of his face, holding him in his place. A fervent gaze meeting a carefully blank look. "Regulus Arcturus, the secondborn, the destined spare,"
He flinched.
"The family must have simply found you lacking."
An invinsible tense cord coiled between them, and they didn't break their gaze for a long time. Regulus did not deny her claim, and Bellatrix did not apologize for speaking the truth. She was searching for something in his eyes and he knew better now than just admiring her beauty up close. He occluded, sending his disdain for Sirius's thoughtless actions and choices to the front of his mind.
Bellatrix smiled then, a beautiful but dangerous sight.
An embrace enveloped him, cold hand patting the back of his hair, sometimes grazing the skin on his neck. It sent shivers down his spine. "You are ultimately beneath Sirius in our family's eyes," Bellatrix sighed, "But don't worry, Reggie. I see your worth. You are destined to be so much more."
He gave her a small nod, and she held him just for a second longer. It was to his relief that a knocking sound was heard from the door so soon after she released him. He didn't know if he wanted to be alone with Bellatrix for much longer.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Narcissa's eyes widened in surprise when she caught the sight of her sister, her usually assured steps halted in her surprise.
"Bella."
"Cissy," Bella smiled sharply. "Join us? We were just talking about the family."
Narcissa threw them an unimpressed look, though her amusement seeped through. She took her place beside them, right by the window.
"Gossiping, Bellatrix? Count me in, then. Though I have something to confirm with Regulus first." At his questioning look, she smirked. "Aunt Walburga shared in the parlor that you pulled out a particular jewelry from the family vault. So I take it you are making progress with Miss Crouch?"
Regulus pushed down the urge to groan. Of course Mother would talk about it.
"Madeline Crouch?" Bellatrix inquired, drawing another surprised look from Narcissa.
"You know of her?"
Bella smiled. "I'm familiar with the name."
He froze at Bella's knowing smile. Meanwhile Bella, sensing his caution, only widened her smile, looking almost predatorily.
Narcissa huffed proudly.
"I knew my eyes wouldn't deceive me. I set them up, you know. I told our Regulus here to observe the lovely witch. It grew from there, didn't it?" She prodded at him, earning her a confused frown.
Narcissa set them up? When -
Then realization dawned on him. That night in the common room..
He gaped at his cousin. "I - You made me fixated with her!"
Stalking Madeline was Narcissa's idea! Or maybe not the stalking, exactly. But she told him to find out what Madeline was up to for most of her time.
Narcissed sniffed in disdain and Regulus almost scowled. She was becoming a Malfoy more and more each day. "Don't be ridiculous, Regulus. She was already in your sight before I meddled. You were already talking about her for hours after she ignored you, remember? I just fastened the progress a little."
He only responded with a glare.
"So it is serious with this Madeline Crouch?" Narcissa prodded on shamelessly.
He sighed.
"I haven't asked Father to write a contract yet, if that's what you are asking," he answered, relenting.
"Aunt Walburga seemed to not mind your choice."
He puffed his chest. Of course Mother would not mind his choice. Madeline Crouch was perfect. "She's a pureblood, and a granddaughter of our late great aunt," he said instead, a way of explaining his mother's consideration.
Bella smirked.
"And brilliant... And vicious... And so, so pretty," she singsong, drawing a faint blush from Regulus as he tries to even his breath.
Naricssa frowned at her sister. "Have you met her?"
Bella hummed, smiling her playful, teasing smile at Regulus who stiffened, dreading what his cousin was planning.
"Well I plan to, now that I know our Regulus might invite her into the family."
.
The room he entered was spacious, and no matter how bright the exquisite chandelier above was, there was something shadowy bleeding into the very walls around it, rendering the broken white color of the wall useless to brighten the room. It didn't help that all the dark curtains were closed, denying entry for any natural lighting.
Portrait after portrait watched his every step, even more intimidating than the towering book shelves around the room. But only when he finally arrived by the huge oak desk at the end of the room did the owner of the room give him any attention. The most intimidating of them all.
"Grandfather."
Grandfather Arcturus put the parchment in hands on the desk, and put his spidery hands on top of it, all skin and bones. "Regulus. How is your occlumency training?"
He blinked, letting his eyes fall onto the oak desk. When Sirius told him that grandfather wished to see him, he didn't expect him to dally with pleasantries such as how one of his endeavors was going.
"It's been going well," Regulus replied carefully, daring himself to meet Grandfather's eyes.
Grandfather hummed. "Let's see. Legilimen."
He called it.
Grandfather's invasion felt slippery. Like a snake, instead of the hard bull invasion of Bellatrix. As Regulus did not have any idea on what grandfather was searching in his mind, he started to put on his general defense, throwing Grandfather's invasion into the height of a quidditch pitch, letting him fall. That quickly startled grandfather out of his mind.
"You have practiced," Grandfather commented, almost in approval. He glanced at the clock. Barely two minutes had passed. "Much better than your brother's."
Much better than Sirius's...
Regulus squared his shoulder before speaking, "Grandfather, may I ask what prompted you to teach Sirius Occlumency earlier than the tradition demands?"
Grandfather tilted his head at his deduction, cold eyes assessing. "And how did you come to that conclusion? I specifically told him to not tell anyone."
"He didn't tell me," Regulus was quick to assure him, "I just observed his exhausted state. It didn't look anything like Mother's type of punishment, and he was massaging his temple. But he didn't look enraged, so you must be using legilimency on him repeatedly with his consent."
Grandfather nodded.
"I am certain you know my reasons for giving him occlumency lessons, judging from the wall in your room."
So Grandfather thought it was prudent in this time of conflict. After all, the aurors had captured some people who was allegedly connected to the Dark Lord, but had claimed to be under the imperius curse. Occlumency was the best way to fight that curse.
- But the wall? His wall? Grandfather never visited Grimmauld place, for as long as he could remember so he couldn't possibly know of his wall.
There was another explanation though - the most likely answer.
"You saw my wall from Sirius' memories."
Silence answered him, but Regulus did not need more confirmation. Sirius must have sneaked into his room at some point. He had to push down the urge to scowl.
Why would Grandfather see his room in Sirius's memory? The answer was startlingly clear for him - he wanted to see the Regulus Sirius knew. Perhaps he even wanted to see everyone from Sirius's perspective.
"What are your reasons for collecting those news, Regulus?" Grandfather asked after a while, breaking the silence.
To hesitate would be giving away too much information, so he didn't. "I just wish to read his movement. Find his pattern and figure out whether the Dark Lord stays true to his promises."
"And does he?" Grandfather probed, "Stay true to his promises?"
A beat.
"Yes."
"You hesitated."
Curse it.
Regulus cleared his throat. "While many of his attacks focus on mudblood and muggles, the Dark Lord has also killed a number of purebloods."
Grandfather stayed stoic at his answer, though Regulus thought he saw a glint of intrigue in his grey eyes...
"And what do you think from that alone?"
Regulus blinked. He kept his silence this time, not knowing the correct answer to please his grandfather.
Grandfather sighed, folding his arms in front of his chest.
"Think on it, Regulus, and come to me when you finally figure out his motives."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"Your brother has it in his mind that the Dark Lord has nothing good to offer us," Grandfather continued on, his tone giving away nothing. "On the other hand, Bellatrix and several members of our family have it in their mind that the Dark Lord is fully on our side. That there can be no wrong in his judgment. Do you agree with them, Regulus?"
It was odd, observing Grandfather this close. He could almost see Father's features on him, only masked by the mark of years passed by. He could even almost see Sirius in him. In the shape of his eyes, the depth of his nose bridge...
"I have not made my judgment yet, sir," he uttered softly in the end. "But you have, haven't you?"
There was a certain satisfaction when he saw the brief surprise in Grandfather's stoic expression. Was it because asking questions was not a part of Regulus's carefully crafted persona as the dutiful son? Or was it the sharpness of his question?
"The Lestranges and The Rosiers," Regulus started again, "Those houses, among many others, have sworn fealty to the Dark Lord. But not the Blacks."
"But not the Blacks," Grandfather echoed, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"I had heard from Bellatrix that our family agreed to provide financial help for the Dark Lord," Regulus said slowly, probing.
Agreed to provide financial help, was the exact wording he heard from Bellatrix. Never once did Bellatrix mention that their family 'swore their fealty' to the Dark Lord, he recalled just now.
Grandfather hummed. "The members of our family are free to follow the Dark Lord if they wish to do so."
"And yet you keep Sirius as the apparent heir, despite his clear stance on the Dark Lord."
Two calculating pairs of eyes met. Gauging, probing, measuring the other with cold intelligence.
"You want our family to stay neutral until the last minute," Regulus concluded, satisfaction thrumming under his skin.
He had always thought that his family was required to serve the Dark Lord, as was Rabastan's family, or Evan's. Grandfather's clarification was a pleasant surprise. Now Sirius could deny serving the Dark Lord without being called a traitor.
"Your uncle and Bellatrix called this decision of mine foolish," Grandfather gauged.
He shook his head with a newfound hope. "It's not foolish, it's self preservation. Though, I suppose to delay our support means we lose the opportunity to gain his favor early on..."
Grandfather threw his face away then, a terrifying sneer appeared to his face. "With or without favors from the Dark Lord, the Blacks will remain glorious. This is what Bellatrix and Cygnus have forgotten, choosing to grovel under another wizard - " He held Regulus's eyes again, "Your brother, despite his many flaws, has the backbone of a true Black. He just lacks self preservation, and that unfortunate view he has adopted.. no doubt from spending too much time with those bloodtraitors and mudbloods."
Regulus was dismissed soon after that, leaving with his mind lighter than when he entered. He also saw Grandfather in a new light - never before he imagined Grandfather to take any interest on both Sirius and Regulus. He had not done so before, so why was he starting to take interest now? Sirius looked confused too, though he stood more assured now, after his private meeting with Grandfather.
On the last day of holiday, before he had to return to Hogwarts, Regulus requested a hot chocolate from Kreacher and sneaked into the kitchen of his home so he could converse with the house elf without Mother's watchful eyes, or - Merlin forbid - the portraits' watchful eyes. He shared his newfound information with Kreacher, his assistant in acquiring all news on the Dark Lord. It was Kreacher, after all, who read muggle newspapers to find any news about homicide, missing cases, or gas explosions.
"So you see, Kreacher," Regulus said with a smile. "Sirius is very important to guarentee the survival of our family in this conflict. He is the front of our house, a known pure hearted Gryffindor, so that our house can thrive no matter the outcome of this conflict. You really should treat him better, so he can detest our side less. Perhaps start calling him by his name?"
Kreacher grumbled his assent.
Regulus also told him of the dinner on the new year, where Sirius managed to fool the elves in the Black Castle to drop his potion in Bellatrix's cup. Kreacher scoffed at the Black Castle elves' naivete, though he knew how hard it was to disobey a master's words. After all, Kreacher only managed to hesitate in obeying all Sirius's orders because Mother gave him another order - a higher priority order - to always assess the harm in Sirius's orders.
Regulus then told him of the following argument, to which Kreacher sneered as he rubbed the stove clean.
"Young Master Regulus would have made a better heir... Young Master Regulus is dutiful, always obeying the Master and the Mistress."
To say Regulus was shocked was an understatement. He had never realized that house elves could form such a strong opinion on their masters. An elf's loyalty... could be a dangerous thing, Regulus decided.
He cleared his throat, putting his best effort to reproach the old elf, "If that is the requirement of an heir, then you would have made a better heir than me, Kreacher."
Kreacher froze, before abandoning the stove in order to kneel in front of Regulus. "Kreacher begs Young Master Regulus's forgiveness. Kreacher does not know what he is saying."
"No, it's fine, Kreacher," Regulus reassured the elf, "In fact, you just made me realize something."
Kreacher repeated his apology a couple more times, each time Regulus reassured him that it was truly fine, before the elf finally returned to the stove.
Regulus sighed.
The backbone of a true Black, Grandfather's words echoed in his mind. He took another sip of his hot chocolate. A memory of Sirius's boldness came to mind, accepting his threat as a challenge.
One day... One day Regulus would have it too.