as traditions dictate

Regulus Black was born as the only Omega child to Walburga and Orion Black. As per tradition, he belonged to the Alpha James Potter. This arrangement was part of an age-old pact between three of the most prominent pureblood families—Malfoy, Black, and Potter. For centuries, it had been an unbreakable rule: any Omega born into one of these houses would be wed to an Alpha from one of the other two. To defy this expectation was to invite disgrace, punishment, or even exile. After all, a pureblood Omega was a rarity, a symbol of rank, beauty, and fertility, and the three families ensured that such valuable lineage remained within their tightly woven bloodlines.

Sirius Black, in contrast, was an Alpha. After him, no other Omega had been born into the Malfoy or Potter families. Yet, Sirius had no interest in the traditions that bound his family. Lucius Malfoy had likewise been lucky, securing a match with Narcissa Black, an Omega who was born after him.

James Potter knew of the agreement that tied his fate to Regulus. He met the boy at age nine, on the occasion of James’s tenth birthday. The encounter left a deep impression on him.

The Omega was slight, smaller than James had expected, and eerily quiet. What caught James's attention most, however, was the sheer black veil that covered Regulus’s face, hiding everything except his gray eyes. There was something intriguing about the way he moved—never straying far from his mother or brother, never meeting James's gaze.

James had never seen anything like it. He tugged at his mother’s sleeve and whispered urgently, “Mum, why is Regulus covering his face?”

Euphemia Potter smiled knowingly. “Some pureblood families still adhere to older traditions more strictly than others,” she explained. “The Blacks believe that an unmated Omega should keep their face hidden until they are wed to their bonded mate.”

James frowned. “So... he has to cover his face all the time?” His eyes flicked back to Regulus, who seemed intent on keeping as much distance between them as possible.

"No, dear," Euphemia explained patiently. “He only wears the veil when he’s in the presence of Alphas outside his immediate family. If no one is paying attention to him, he might be allowed to remove it. But when he grows older and flowers, he’ll have to wear a full face veil in public—especially in crowded places.”

"B-but he's a kid."

Beside them, Fleamont Potter scoffed. “It’s ridiculous, if you ask me. The boy is hardly taller than a house elf, and they’ve already shrouded him away like someone might run him through.”

Euphemia offered her husband a pointed look before turning back to James with a softer expression. “He won’t have to wear it at Hogwarts,” she reassured him. “And besides, the full-face veiling tradition is fading away. The Malfoys have already started veiling their Omegas only partially, like what Regulus is wearing right now.”

James mulled over this before looking back up at his father. “What about us? What does our family do?”

Fleamont let out a hearty laugh. “We put an end to veiling a long time ago, son.”

James chewed on his lip, his gaze flickering between his parents and the boy standing behind his mother. Something about Regulus’s being so close soothed James, but he couldn't help but worry that the Omega didn't want him.

Euphemia bent down slightly, brushing a hand through James’s unruly hair. “Darling, there’s no need to be so worried,” she said in a soothing voice. “Regulus is yours.”

James blinked up at her. “Mine?”

Fleamont chuckled, though there was an edge of something knowing in his voice. “That’s how these things work, son. The Blacks agreed long ago that their Omega belongs to you.” He waved a hand dismissively. “No one’s taking him away, if that’s what’s got you frowning.”

James hesitated, then took a step forward. The slight shift in his position made Regulus stiffen, his hands curling into his mother’s robes. James hesitated, suddenly unsure of what to say.

“Hi,” he tried, offering a tentative smile.

Regulus didn’t respond. His grip on the fabric of Walburga’s dress tightened, his small fingers turning white at the knuckles. James frowned—was he scared of him?

Sirius, who had been standing off to the side, crossed his arms and scoffed. “Reg, come on, don’t be weird.”

Regulus flinched.

Sirius rolled his eyes, then turned to James. “He’s just shy. Doesn’t talk much when he’s nervous.”

James tilted his head, considering this. “He doesn’t have to talk,” he decided. Then, carefully, he held out his hand. “Can I see your face?”

At this, Regulus went completely rigid. He eyed his mother, as if waiting to be directed on how to react or what to say. Walburga’s lips pressed into a thin line, and Orion—silent up until now—let out a quiet sigh.

“That is not something we allow,” Walburga said coolly.

Fleamont scoffed, stepping forward and fixing both Black parents with a look of utter exasperation. “Oh, for Merlin’s sake, let the boy see his betrothed’s face. What kind of sense does it make, keeping him veiled like some relic?”

Walburga’s jaw clenched. “It is tradition—”

“One that doesn't apply here, to us,” Euphemia cut in, though her voice remained gentle. “James is his Alpha. You’ve already agreed to their bond, so he has the right to do as he pleases.”

There was a long, tense silence. Regulus’s shoulders hunched slightly, his breathing quick and shallow. Then, unexpectedly, Sirius stepped in front of his brother, arms crossed as he glared at James. “If you’re gonna be mean about it, then no.”

James blinked in surprise. “I wasn’t—”

Sirius scowled, cutting him off. “He doesn’t like people staring at him. If you’re gonna look at his face, you can’t make him feel bad about it.”

James looked between Sirius and Regulus. He could see now that Sirius was tense—not because he didn’t want James to see, but because he was trying to protect his little brother.

James nodded, determined. “I won’t be mean.”

Sirius studied James for a long moment, his sharp gray eyes searching, assessing. He was barely taller than James, but there was something fiercely protective in the way he positioned himself between his brother and the older boy.

Then, without hesitation, Sirius turned to his parents and squared his shoulders. “Then let him,” he said firmly. His voice was steady, brooking no argument.

Walburga’s nostrils flared, and she let out a sharp breath through her nose, clearly displeased by her eldest son’s brazenness. She had raised him to be an Alpha in name, but he was still a child—still hers to control. The idea of Sirius throwing his weight around, making demands in front of another pureblood family, was not something she intended to encourage. Her hand twitched at her side, as if resisting the urge to snap at him.

“Very well,” Orion said simply, ignoring his wife's glare.

Regulus stiffened as his mother’s hands reached for his veil. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before slowly pulling it away.

James inhaled sharply.

Regulus was... beautiful.

His skin was pale, like moonlight, with delicate features that were almost too perfect to be real. His gray eyes, though uncovered before—looked even more vivid now, framed by long, dark lashes. His lips, pink and so soft, were slightly parted, his expression unsure, almost fearful.

He looked fragile. Untouched. Like something meant to be admired, but not held.

James swallowed. His heart pounded strangely. “Wow.”

Walburga’s gaze flicked sharply to him, disapproving of his unpolished reaction, but James barely noticed. Regulus, however, did. His posture tightened, and he turned his face slightly away, as if the weight of James’s attention was something he wasn’t used to. Orion tutted and used his finger to pull Regulus's chin back up, allowing James to look as he pleased.

Sirius snorted. “See? He’s just a kid like you.”

James nodded quickly. “Yeah. Yeah, I see that.”

Orion exhaled through his nose, something thoughtful crossing his expression as he turned to Fleamont. “Now that the matter is settled, there will be no further argument about the arrangement.”

"He is perfect,” Euphemia breathed, and James flicked his gaze toward her, startled by the soft reverence in her voice.

Walburga’s lips twitched, pleased by the acknowledgment. “He is a Black,” she said simply, as though that explained everything.

“Indeed,” Orion murmured. “He is of the finest lineage, bred true. There has not been an Omega of his purity and potential in generations.”

James barely stopped himself from making a face. Bred? The way Orion spoke made it sound like Regulus was a prize mare, not a person. But no one else reacted—not even Sirius, who was uncharacteristically silent.

“We are grateful for this match,” Euphemia continued, her gaze warm as she turned to Walburga. “James is fortunate to have such a bond awaiting him. There was some concern among our acquaintances that an Omega would not be born in this generation, given the rarity. But to have one, and of such extraordinary quality, is a blessing.”

“He will be fertile,” Orion added, his tone matter-of-fact. “The Black line has never struggled in that regard. And with his health, his features, and his bloodline—”'

“A prize,” Fleamont said approvingly. “Your family should be proud.”

For a long moment, Regulus remained quiet, staring at the floor. Then, hesitantly, he peeked back up at James. Their eyes met properly for the first time.

James grinned. “You have really cool eyes.”

Regulus blinked. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out.

The adults continued talking, their voices rising in importance and weight as they discussed things that made James feel increasingly uncomfortable. Regulus remained still, his gaze fixed on the floor, but James could see the tightness in his shoulders, the way his hands clenched into fists by his sides.

“Regulus has always known his place,” Walburga was saying, her voice assured. “He will be a good Omega, as expected. Quiet, obedient, and loyal. He’ll serve James in whatever way is required of him.”

Regulus’s lips parted, his breath catching slightly. He tried to lift his head, his voice trembling as he spoke up, “Mother, I--"

His words were soft, almost drowned out by the firm words of his mother.

“There is nothing to question, Regulus,” she snapped, turning sharply to him. “You will learn to accept this. Your role is clear.”

The silence that followed was stifling, and James’s heart hurt as he saw Regulus’s throat bob, his shoulders slumping even lower. It was as if he had already been shut down, like his attempt to speak—any attempt at agency—was as worthless as a gust of wind.

James felt the sharp sting of anger rising within him, but before he could even think to say something, Euphemia turned back to him, her smile tight and expectant.

“Don’t worry, James,” she assured him, like a teacher explaining a lesson to a child. “Regulus will adjust. All Omegas do. They learn quickly how to submit. With that beauty, he’ll be a prized companion.” She said it like it was just a fact of life.

Sirius, who had been standing in an uncharacteristic silence beside James, finally scowled. “For Merlin’s sake,” he muttered, cutting through the air with a sharp tone. “He’s not a thing, okay?”

But it was too late. Regulus had already shrunk back into himself, his face blank again, eyes lowered as though he’d been trained to retreat. Everyone ignored Sirius.

“Of course, he will be a good Omega,” Orion chimed in, his voice soft but with an underlying finality. “A well-trained Omega is always an honor to their family. It’s in their nature. If not, then they are a stain on their family name.”

“As previous generations before us have done,” Walburga finally said, her tone as final as the stroke of a judge’s gavel. “James will be 17 years of age when the two of them will be joined. If Regulus has not yet had a heat by that time, we will simply wait until his first heat comes.”

Euphemia’s smile widened, pleased with the arrangement. “Such a young Omega. I’m sure Regulus will be quite pleasing.”

James felt a peculiar satisfaction in hearing those words. "He's only mine?"

"Only yours, dear." Euphemia assured. 

“Good,” James said, his voice a little too eager as he glanced at Regulus. “I’ll be ready when the time comes.”

The Potters exchanged looks of approval, and Walburga’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “This will work out, then.”

=====

Years passed, and the Black brothers grew into fine men. Sirius, still the Alpha heir of the family, ran away to live with the Potters. Despite everything, Regulus was not allowed to speak to his brother, and for many years, he didn't. Their interactions were always filled with fights and back handed insults. The only time they could muster civil conversations was when Regulus would approach Sirius for permission regarding Alphas that asked him out, only to be turned down every single time. There was no Alpha in their family he felt safe asking—his father was indifferent and Bellatrix was insane. He did not feel comfortable enough to ask Lucius. That left Sirius. His older brother, always there. Even when he left.

One day, Regulus and Barty both approached Sirius who was sprawled lazily in the library. He was practically laying down on the chair with his legs spread wide. Barty, an Omega (which was a shock for everyone, especially his father) scowled at the sight.

Sirius lifted his head, took one look at them, and groaned. "The snake pit arrives."

"The blubber speaks." Barty shot back immediately, arms crossed.

Sirius rolled his eyes. Despite Barty's behavior and piss-poor attitude being "unOmega-like", it never deterred or angered Sirius, in fact it seemed to amuse him. Regulus on the other hand enjoyed having Barty with him, for they seemed to makeup for whatever the other lacked.

"Hm," Sirius observed Regulus, who in turn, began to play with his veil when faced with scrutiny. He had worn a white veil today, one that seemed to highlight the redness of his lips despite being covered. "Another Alpha, I suppose?"

"Yes," Regulus muttered.

"Go on then."

"Mulciber asked me out yesterday--"

Sirius sat up so fast it was like he’d been hexed. "Excuse me? He asked you out yesterday, and you’re only telling me now?"

"Keep your pants on, Black," Barty snapped, stepping closer. "Let him finish before you start barking."

Sirius grabbed Barty by the collar, yanking him down with one hand, making the younger boy growl low in his throat. "Sit down, pretty boy. Let family talk." He didn’t let go, even as Barty dug his nails into his wrist, scratching at his skin in frustration.

"I couldn't find you yesterday." Regulus retorted, glaring at his brother.

"Not an excuse. Ask one of my friends, they’ll always know where I am. James would love to help you."

Regulus stiffened at the mention of James, his lips pressing into a thin line. "No, I'd rather find you directly."

"You're awfully rude to your mate," Sirius noted, leveling his brother with a heavy stare. "The Potter's patience is thinning. You don't allow him to scent you, hold you, or even speak to you. It's cruel Reg, you should know better, or are you still Mommy's yes boy?"

"Shut up!" Regulus snapped. "Don't act like you care about me, your only concern is that cult of friends you have."

"The only cult I see is this snake over here." Sirius responded and tightened his grip on Barty as if to show Regulus what he meant.

"Let go of me, you absolute prat!" Barty snarled, trying (and failing) to grab Sirius’s collar in retaliation. Sirius caught his wrist easily and maneuvered him into a position where he was trapped, legs tangled between Sirius’s, unable to move without Sirius letting him. "Fucker!"

"Go on, Reggie," Sirius drawled, ignoring Barty’s cursing. "Before Madam Pince chucks us out because this idiot is making a scene."

Regulus hesitated but pushed forward. "I—I wanted to go," he admitted, hating how small his voice sounded under Sirius’s scrutinizing gaze. "I still want to. But I have to ask you first…"

Sirius didn’t even hesitate. "No."

"No?" Regulus repeated dumbly.

"You don’t get to decide that for him!" Barty snapped, but Sirius yanked him closer, their noses nearly brushing. Barty, despite his father's protests, refused to wear a face veil so Sirius had a full view of his face. "Argh, fuck you, let me go!"

"Did you forget you have an Alpha, Regulus?" Sirius continued, voice sharp. "You belong to him. You don’t get to entertain other Alphas."

"That’s not fair!" Regulus burst out, frustration finally spilling over. "He’s always chasing after Evans! And who knows how many Omegas he’s slept with! Why can't I try something out?"

Sirius exhaled sharply through his nose, rubbing his temple like he was dealing with a particularly stubborn first-year. "Then go on a date with your pet snake here." He tilted his head toward Barty, who scoffed. "But my answer is still no. You should know better than to betray James. Despite what you think, he doesn’t sleep around. And if you go running off with some bastard like Mulciber, your parents will be furious, the Potters will be insulted, and worst of all?" Sirius leaned forward, voice darkening. "They’d have every right to demand James bond you before your next heat."

Barty was seething.

"Oh, of course," he said, voice laced with venom. "The Alpha gets to fuck around like some street whore, but the Omega is expected to stay pure and keep their legs closed. Right, Black?"

Sirius just gave him a slow, dangerous grin, leaning in until their foreheads nearly touched. "Oh, I heard you, sweetheart."

Barty bared his teeth. "Then let me go, you absolute bastard."

Sirius ignored him and flicked a dismissive hand toward Regulus. "Go back to your dorm, Reggie. I’m about to have a chat with pretty boy here."

Regulus hesitated, glancing between them. "Sirius--"

"Go. Back. To. Your. Dorm." Sirius repeated, emphasizing every word. 

Regulus frowned but did as he was told. Sirius did not look at him as he made his way out, instead turning to Barty and grinned wildly.

Barty, however, was glaring daggers at Sirius. "You’re such a fucking hypocrite, you know that?"

Sirius smirked, tugging him even closer. "Yeah? And what are you gonna do about it?"

=====

James never spoke with Regulus after their meeting. Not until the boys heat finally arrived. Contrary to what his mother said, Regulus still wore the sheer face veil at Hogwarts and only took it off in classrooms. Not the full face veil, which was a relief for James, who could only see so much of the boy.

Regulus, on the other hand, did everything in his power to avoid him. Every time their paths crossed, the boy would cast a fleeting glance at James, then swiftly turn and scurry in the opposite direction, as if the very sight of the Alpha was something to escape.

James ended up having detention for a week. Walburga had sent an angry letter to Dumbledore demanding that James could not touch Regulus until they were mated to each other. Regulus took it upon himself to avoid being in the same room as James.

Sirius, ever the protective older brother, did his best to reassure James. "It's not your fault," he said, his voice tinged with frustration as he watched Regulus pull away yet again. "That wretch of a woman made sure Regulus knew to keep his distance, from you, from me. She's drilled it into his head. And, Regulus has always been shy and easily overwhelmed."

James clenched his jaw, trying to stay calm. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it but he couldn’t quite place. His parents were furious, their pride and honor wounded by Regulus’s avoidance, but James convinced them to give it time.

No matter what anyone thought, the future was clear. Regulus was his, and in the end, they would be together.

And, that was true, because one day, as James, Sirius, and Remus were walking down a quiet hallway at Hogwarts, a tearful Regulus had tentatively approached them. As soon as he saw him, James instinctively took a step forward, but before he could reach out, Regulus let out a soft whine and quickly recoiled, his face a mix of embarrassment and fear.

"Sirius," Regulus pitifully called, grabbing the attention of his brother.

Sirius was visibly taken aback, a flicker of shock crossing his face at the sight of his brother. It had been years since they had spoken, and this unexpected moment seemed to send a ripple of hesitation through him. Still, he stepped forward, his arms open, and when Regulus stumbled into him, he welcomed the embrace. Regulus buried his face in his brother’s neck, his body trembling.

James’s pulse quickened, and a pang of jealousy hit him unexpectedly, sharp and fierce. It was supposed to be him that held the Omega, wasn’t it?

He belongs to me. The words slipped out before he could stop them, his voice laced with something darker, possessive. He was well aware of the bond between him and Regulus, but seeing them like this, seeing Regulus turn to someone else, made something primal stir in his chest.

Sirius shot James a glare, his usual expression replaced by one of sharp intensity. He turned to Regulus, gently cupping his brother’s face, his voice soft n a way that made James’s breath hitch.

"Qu'est-ce qu'il y a, ma petite étoile?" Sirius murmured, his fingers brushing away a tear from Regulus’s cheek. “Dis à ton frère.”

Regulus’s whole body seemed to tremble in his brother’s arms, and he cried out softly, his words slurring as if he couldn't form proper thoughts.

“Don’t know,” Regulus’s voice was barely above a whisper, thick with a mixture of emotions—confusion, need. "Hurts, Siri."

Remus, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. His brows were furrowed, and there was curiosity in his tone as he looked to James. “Doesn’t he prefer to keep the veil on?”

James’s gaze snapped to Regulus, his jaw tightening. The sight of him, bare faced for the first time, flushed and trembling, curled something hot and possessive in his gut. His voice came low, steady, despite the storm inside him.

“Did someone take the veil off you?” James asked, eyes locked onto Regulus’s face.

Regulus whimpered, barely registering the words, his fevered body pressing closer into Sirius’s hold. His breath came in uneven pants, and he let out a soft, pitiful noise—one that made James’s hands twitch at his sides.

Sirius exhaled sharply, his grip tightening around Regulus’s shoulders as he coaxed him to sit up, his voice laced with the firm authority. “Answer him. Tell your Alpha.”

Regulus trembled, his fingers curling weakly into Sirius’s robes. His lashes fluttered as he struggled to focus, to fight through the haze that burned through his body. He turned his head slightly, glassy gray eyes meeting James’s gaze, and his lips parted.

“No one,” he whispered hoarsely, shaking his head. “No one took it.”

Sirius shook his head in disapproval. "Is that how you speak to James?" he asked gently.

Regulus groaned in pain. "No one took it, Alpha."

James sucked in a breath, a slow, satisfied smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Good.

Regulus shifted again, his expression twisting as he whimpered softly. “It’s—s’too hot,” he murmured, voice breaking, “hurts.”

The boy must've forgotten the veil when he came looking for Sirius, too hazy and in pain to focus on what was happening. James took one sniff of the Omega's scent to confirm his own thoughts. Sirius caught his eye, his expression softening slightly as he realized the changes occurring before him. His gaze flicked to Regulus.

“Doesn’t matter where the veil is,” James murmured, stepping closer, his voice carrying an unshakable certainty. “He won’t need it anymore.”

Regulus shivered, his gaze dropping, his breath hitching. His body knew before his mind could catch up.

"He’s in heat." James continued, watching Regulus's eyes widen in realization. 

"Then you must wed him,” Sirius said, voice rough. “Let our families know it’s time, they've been waiting for his first heat.”

James’s smirk deepened. He reached out, fingers grazing Regulus’s flushed cheek, and the younger boy sucked in a sharp breath, instinctively leaning into the touch.

“Yes,” James lips curled into a knowing smile, the satisfaction of the moment making his voice drop to a hushed murmur. “I will."