Welcome to Hogwarts!
The rest of the summer was something Regulus would describe as… wonderful. It had been brilliant! His aunt and uncle were still ignoring him, but he was used to it by now. He supposes he just reached a point where it became normal. It was like a part of his routine, but his brother’s company helped. Having Sirius around was like carrying a mirrorball in your pocket, it turned everything boring into something exciting in less than seconds.
Now Regulus had more than enough time to talk with his brother and catch up with everything about Hogwarts. Sirius told him everything that happened since the moment he stepped on the train. He said he was sitting alone in his compartment when James and Peter came in, asking if they could sit with him. They had talked during the whole ride like they had been each other’s friends for years! Regulus wished he could find people like that, people you just click with.
He had never been the best at making friends. Everywhere they went Sirius managed to talk to someone, ignoring his aunt’s and uncle’s protests of not talking to strangers. His brother made it look so easy that sometimes Regulus wondered if it was just him who had a problem. All the social interactions he had always turned into something awful. He would say ‘hi’ to someone and then they’d fall into an awkward silence. So Regulus hated making friends, well, not necessarily, but he hated how uncomfortable the process was for him.
Anyway, Sirius kept telling him that once they had arrived they went to a place called The Great Hall. He said it was a huge place with four long tables for each house, but that the best part was the ceiling. Sirius said it looked like the night sky and there were flying candles above. Regulus was dying to see that with his own eyes. Then, Sirius told him about a guy named Remus Lupin. After the sorting, where Sirius had ended up in shock, the three of them went to the Gryffindor table, that’s when they found Remus, who was just sitting in front of them.
Sirius described him as the type of person that’s brilliant, but doesn’t like to talk about it. He said Remus was so smart, even smarter than him. He loved reading and wearing ugly grandpa jumpers— yeah, Regulus couldn’t understand that one either. But the way Sirius talked about him made Regulus think he was a nice person, he was intrigued. His brother had also told him about classes, saying that his favourite had been Transfiguration. A class where they had turned a dead fish into a mug, it had been brilliant, except for Peter’s mug, which had ended up with scales. Regulus chuckled at the thought.
Sirius kept saying those amazing things that made Regulus feel even more excited. He had been waiting to go to Hogwarts, but now he was dying to go. He wanted to experience that, he wanted to live that. He pictured himself at Hogwarts, wearing those long robes and holding books while he walked through the corridors. Of course, he pictured his brother walking next to him, smiling and looking so happy. Looking proud of Regulus.
By now he had dreamed of that at least five times. The only thing is that on his dreams there had been someone else, someone who had been living constantly in his mind through the summer. James Potter. That man had carved his way into Regulus’ life, no matter how hard Regulus tried to push him out, he always came back. Now he did not only picture his brother walking next to him, but also James. And the James in his dreams was looking at him with such love that Regulus sometimes believed it was real. He wished it was real. He wanted it to be real.
But he couldn’t. He was his brother’s best friend! How could Regulus do that to Sirius? Well, he had never actually mentioned this to his brother, maybe Sirius wouldn’t take it that bad, would he? Oh Merlin. Never mind that, Regulus was never going to tell Sirius about his silly crush on his best friend.
Nope.
Never.
Jamais.
He would take that secret with him to the grave. Besides, he was sure it was just that, a silly crush. It would pass. It definitely would.
During the rest of the summer Sirius even played Quidditch with him. Regulus didn’t have his own broom, his uncle had refused to give him one, but he played with Sirius’. The Quidditch days were Regulus favourites. He loved flying, it made him feel so free, like he could disappear in the sky for a few minutes, forgetting all the worries he had. When he landed on the ground all his worries returned, and he missed the freedom a broom could give him.
Sirius told him that this year he was going to try to get on the Gryffindor team, as a Keeper most likely. Regulus knew his brother was good, so he would probably make it. Sirius talked for days about how good the Quidditch matches were. The best thing of Hogwarts so far, he admitted. Regulus noticed the way Sirius’ eyes gleamed when he talked about the things he liked, seeing his brother so happy and excited spread a warm feeling inside him.
His brother had even said that he made a fair seeker, that when he became a second year he could try out for the Gryffindor team. Regulus frowned a bit, his brother had always assumed he would end up in Gryffindor, but what if he didn’t? That thought followed Regulus through the whole summer. He didn’t want to disappoint his brother, but he wasn’t that brave. He had always preferred to stay back, to be a coward. To be honest, Regulus was afraid. He wanted to be in Gryffindor with Sirius, that would be the best thing ever, but he couldn’t help but wonder… what if?
In the blink of an eye the summer ended. The day had finally arrived. September 1st, 1972. They were on their way to King’s Cross, Regulus felt like throwing up all the time. When they entered Platform nine and three quarters Regulus let out a shaky breath. He had been here before, but he had never actually paid attention to his surroundings. He had been too worried about his brother that he had barely looked around. This time, the platform felt bigger. There were people everywhere, children’s crying, mother’s fussing and father’s waving at their children as they walked into the red train, which had the Hogwarts logo in front. It was quite cool.
“You okay?” Sirius asked.
Regulus nodded. “Yeah, just a bit nervous.”
“It’s going to be okay. You have me.” Sirius smiled warmly.
Regulus returned the smile. It was true, he had Sirius. That made him the luckiest person.
When they entered the train they saw lots of Hogwarts students. Everything seemed full. They walked towards the end of the train and, thankfully, they found an empty compartment. They put their luggage inside and sat, regulus was resting his head against the window and Sirius sat closer to the door.
Sirius moved awkwardly on his seat. “I gotta use the loo. Can you wait for me?”
Regulus nodded. “Okay.”
“While I’m out I’ll also try to find my friends. You know, so you can meet them.” Sirius grinned.
“Alright. That sounds good.” Regulus grinned back.
Sirius stood up and left. Once the door closed Regulus panicked. What was he going to do? Regulus had already met James, but he never told Sirius. Would James tell Sirius? Would James even remember him? Would Sirius get mad if he knew? Oh lord.
Regulus shook his head and sighed. Put yourself together, Regulus! He told himself. He was freaking out for nothing. He couldn’t just jump to conclusions. It seems like he had been too lost in his own thoughts because a knock on the door made him jump.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” A boy said. “But… do you mind? Everywhere else is full.”
He looked up and saw a boy that looked his age. He had brown messy hair and brown light eyes. He was smiling at him, and for some reason Regulus smiled too.
“Not at all.” Regulus said.
The boy grinned and sat in front of him. “I’m Barty, by the way. Barty Crouch Jr.”
“Regulus. Regulus Black.”
Barty gasped and his eyes widened. “Blimey! Are you really?”
Regulus nodded shyly.
“Wow! I mean, I thought your eyes were different.” He said, narrowing his eyes, as if he didn’t believe Regulus.
“Oh, that. I had forgotten about the glamour charm. Thanks for reminding me.” Regulus took out his wand, “Finite Incantatem.” He whispered, ending the spell.
Barty’s jaw dropped. Regulus assumed it had been because of his eyes, green and silver. “Wicked.” Barty murmured.
Regulus flushed a bit.
“Anything from the trolley, dears?” A woman asked.
Barty shrugged. “I’m all set.” And he showed her a sandwich in a bag.
Regulus frowned, Barty didn’t seem very pleased with his sandwich. He could buy him something, so he did. “We’ll take the lot.” He said to the woman, showing her some galleons.
Barty smiled. “Wow!”
That’s how they ended with more sweets than they could possibly eat. There was a bit of everything. Chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, sugar quills and even cockroach clusters! Regulus hadn’t even heard from half of these before! Impressive and delicious.
Regulus turned to look at Barty, who was now sitting next to him, only to find the boy with a rat on his lap. He gasped, “What is that?”
Barty looked up, frowning, then he seemed to understand what Regulus was referring to. “Oh, this is Chuck, my rat. It has been in my family since… well, I don’t know.” He shrugged.
Regulus snorted. “You named your rat Chuck?”
Barty snorted too. “Not by choice.” Then, the boy’s face lightened up. “I know a spell to turn him yellow!”
“Show me!”
Barty took out his wand, placing Chuck next to him on the seat. He cleared his throat. “Sun—”
Then, they were interrupted by another boy. His skin was pale, his eyes blue and his hair was blond. He seemed to be their age, but a bit shorter.
“Has anyone seen a toad?” The blond asked, “A kid named Oliver lost one.”
Regulus and Barty shrugged, but it seemed like the boy was no longer interested in the toad. His gaze was now stuck in Barty’s wand.
“Oh, you’re doing magic.” He said, looking curious, “let’s see then.”
Barty turned to look at Regulus, sending him a look that said ‘Weird?’ Or something like that.
Regulus shrugged.
Barty cleared his throat once more, waving his wand. “Sunshine, daises, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow!” Some sparks came out of Barty’s wand, but nothing happened. Barty frowned and looked up at Regulus, Regulus sent him an apologetic look.
The blond boy spoke again. “Are you sure that’s a real spell? Well, it’s not very good, is it?”
Barty shared a look with Regulus, a look that said ‘What the hell?’
The boy continued, “Of course I’ve only tried a few simple ones myself, but they’ve all worked for me.” He entered the compartment and sat in front of Regulus. Then, the boy’s eyes widened. “Holy cricket! You’re Regulus Black! I’m Evan Rosier.” He introduced himself, then turned to look at Barty. “And… you are?”
“Um— Barty Crouch.” He said, chewing a gummy worm.
Evan raised an eyebrow. “Pleasure.” He turned to Regulus again. “You two better change into robes, I expect we’ll be arriving soon.” He stood up, ready to leave, but then he turned again to look at Barty. “You’ve got dirt on your nose, by the way. Did you know?” He gestured the right side of his nose, “just there.” And he left.
Barty frowned, but rubbed his nose anyway.
Just then, Sirius came back with his friends. He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, I see you’ve got company, Reggie.”
Regulus nodded. “That’s my brother, by the way.” He told Barty.
“Pleasure. I’m Barty.”
Sirius smiled. “Sirius. Oh, Reggie! These are my friends!” He said, stepping inside. Three boys followed him.
The first boy was a bit chubby, he had dirty blond hair and blue eyes. “Peter Pettigrew.” The boy whispered.
“Nice to meet you.” Regulus nodded politely.
The second boy was tall. He had tanned skin, brown eyes and brown messy hair, but his most noticeable feature was a big scar that went across his face. He was wearing a grandpa jumper. Oh, Remus.
“Hi, Regulus. I’m Remus Lupin.” He smiled.
Regulus grinned. “Hi! It’s a pleasure.”
And the third boy… Oh regulus knew this face. This is the face that had visited him the whole summer. James Potter was beautiful, and Regulus was a weak man. Very weak. Looking at him now felt just like the first time. Regulus was blinded by his presence. And— Oh, there was that attractive smile again.
James stepped closer. Extending out his hand. “Hello.” He said.
Regulus flushed, suddenly feeling very small. “Hi.” He breathed.
Sirius sent him a curious look. Regulus stiffened immediately. “Er— it’s a pleasure.” He said.
“Likewise.” James said, stepping back again.
The three of them sat in front of Regulus and Barty. They weren’t actually paying attention to them anymore, Regulus and Barty were talking about random stuff while Sirius and his friends did… well, actually… what weren’t they doing? Remus had a book on his lap, but Regulus could tell his mind was somewhere else. Peter had asked for a chocolate frog, so Regulus kindly shared one with him, the blond was now eating it as if it was his first meal in days. Sirius and James were playing some sort of… game with his hands? Yeah, anyway. They were too busy minding their own business.
The rest of the ride went on like that. It was pleasant. When the train stopped Sirius had told him that he and his friends had to go, but he and Barty had to follow a man called Hagrid, just because they were first years. Regulus nodded and Sirius and his friends said goodbye. Once the door closed Barty laughed in Regulus’ face.
“What?” Regulus asked, frowning.
“Your brother’s best friend? Really?” He snorted.
Regulus flushed and stuttered in embarrassment. “I— Well, it’s— I do not— what?— Oh, shut up.” He rolled his eyes and left.
Barty followed him, still laughing. Idiot.
When they got out of the train they were greeted by a giant, or well… half a giant, who had a lot of hair. So that was Hagrid. The man guided the first years towards some boats. “Four in one boat!” He said.
Barty, Evan, Regulus and girl named Pandora went together in one boat. The lake was beautiful, but the castle in front was even better. Hogwarts. They had arrived at night, so the lights in the castle made it look even more beautiful. The place was huge. Regulus was so excited.
Once they got out of the boats they had to walk through a lot of corridors. After what felt like an eternity they finally ended in some stairs, there they were met by an old skinny woman.
“Welcome to Hogwarts, dears. I am Professor McGonagall. The Sorting ceremony will begin shortly. There you’ll be placed into your houses, there’s Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Now, follow me. Follow me!” She turned and opened the doors to the Great Hall.
They stepped in and Regulus’ jaw dropped to the floor. Really, that was a bad habit. The place was awesome! And the ceiling did look like the night sky! And the candles! Fascinating.
Suddenly, Evan spoke up. “It’s not real. It’s bewitched. Just a spell to make it look like the real night sky. I read all about it in ‘Hogwarts: a history’.”
Regulus wanted to say something because it seemed like no one was actually listening to Evan. Poor bloke. But he was too busy staring at the place. Like Sirius had said, there were four tables for each house. There was Hufflepuff to the left, followed by Ravenclaw, then Gryffindor and finally, Slytherin. At the end of the Hall was also another table. The Professor’s table. And just in front of it was a wooden chair and a filthy hat.
He looked to the right. There was Sirius and his friends. Regulus smiled weakly at his brother, Sirius returned the smile and gave him a thumbs up. Regulus was nervous.
All the first years gathered in the front of the Hall. Students were whispering and looking around. A sound coming from the Professor’s table caught their attention. “Silence!” Yelled an old man with white hair. Wow! His beard was so long!
That must be Dumbledore, the Headmaster. Regulus thought.
“Welcome back, to the ones who were here before, and welcome, to the new ones. The sorting ceremony is about to begin! So stay quiet and wait for the best. Don’t let your potential go to waste!” The man smiled.
Huh?
“What is he talking about?” Regulus whispered.
Barty shrugged, looking unimpressed. “They say he’s a bit mad. Must be true.”
Then, out of nowhere, the filthy hat started singing.
“A smarter hat than me,
and I can cap them all,
where you ought to be,
to achieve their ends.
So put me on!
Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
For I'm a Thinking Cap!”
Regulus raised his eyebrows in surprise. Well, that’s something you don’t see everyday. His brother had forgotten to mention the singing part. How unexpected.
Then, Professor McGonagall started calling the students.
“Evan Rosier.”
Evan let out a shaky breath. “Okay, Relax. It’s fine.” He whispered to himself, shaking his head.
Barty snorted. “Mental that one.”
The blond sat on the chair and McGonagall placed the hat on top of his head.
“Hmm, I see… You’re clever, but there’s ambition… oh yes… Well, I know exactly where to put you… and it’s… SLYTHERIN!” The hat called at last.
People clapped and whistled. The Slytherin table erupted into cheers. “Bartemius Crouch.”
Barty let out a wince. “Barty, Professor.” He murmured. Professor McGonagall gave him a look as he seated.
The hat spoke again. “Ha! I know exactly what to do with you, boy! You’ll do great things in… SLYTHERIN!”
Barty smiled and the Slytherin table erupted into cheers again. Things went on like that with four more students. A Ravenclaw, a Hufflepuff and two Gryffindors. Then, McGonagall called him.
“Regulus Black.”
The Hall went silent. Everyone seemed to stop whatever they were doing, just to focus in the sorting. Regulus swallowed. He slowly made his way to the front. He could feel hundreds of eyes on him and he could hear people whispering.
“—Regulus Black?—”
“—Who?—”
“—Oh, Regulus?—”
He sat on the chair and closed his eyes. He was nervous. He didn’t want to disappoint his brother. He wanted to be with his brother more than anything. He couldn’t mess this up. He felt how McGonagall placed the hat on his head and he swore he was starting to sweat. He was afraid.
“Hmmm… Difficult, very difficult… There’s some cleverness… Oh you’d make a fair Ravenclaw… but hmm, no no… that’s not it… perhaps Gryffindor… I see some courage—”
Please Gryffindor,
Please Gryffindor,
Please Gryffindor.
Regulus begged.
The hat continued, “hmmm…Gryffindor? I see, but there’s ambition and power… oh you’re going to do great things… so better be… SLYTHERIN!”
NO!
The Hall was still silent for a few seconds. Regulus didn’t even want to open his eyes. Why weren’t they clapping? Was he that unwanted?! When he finally opened his eyes people were staring at him. He swallowed and let out a shaky breath.
When he stood up the Slytherin table erupted into cheers. Some students were saying, ‘We got Regulus!’ ‘We got Regulus’. He felt sick, Regulus wanted to puke. But it all felt worse when he glanced towards the Gryffindor table. His brother had always been pale, but now he looked like he’d seen a ghost. He looked properly horrified. Then, he looked to the person next to his brother. James. He looked sad. Regulus wanted to cry, he had not only managed to disappoint his brother, but the whole Gryffindor table as well?
Merlin, he wanted to do nothing but vanish from existence that moment. That was it. He had messed up. That had been the only thing he wanted to do well and he messed it up anyway. What was wrong with him?
He sent his brother an apologetic look, but Sirius horrified expression then turned into a scowl.
Regulus felt his own heart breaking.
He was a disappointment.