Chapter 2
2
September 1st, 1976
Regulus woke up, expecting Walburga and his brother arguing downstairs. Regulus then remembered that his brother left the day before. He went downstairs, seeing his mother and father casually talking, which was new to him.
They both looked up, and spoke in unison. ‘Morning Regulus’
Regulus answered: ‘Morning Maman, morning father.’
He sat down, as Kreacher brought the food, and they started eating. After breakfast, Kreacher got Regulus' stuff, and they left for Platform 9¾. When they arrived there, Regulus bid goodbye to their parents and Kreacher before getting on the Hogwarts express. When he was on the Hogwarts express, Sirius and his friends walked past him and purposely bumped into him. ‘Watch where you’re going Black.’ One of his friends, James Potter, said to him. Regulus felt frustration and responded. ‘Watch where you are going, Potter.’
He thought he saw a pang of fear in Sirius’ eyes, which hurt him. He wanted to reach out to his brother, but knew better than that. ‘Sirius-’
Sirius interrupted him. ‘No, Regulus. I’m not your brother anymore.’
Regulus heard Sirius’ voice break and put a comforting hand on Sirius’ shoulder. Sirius flinched, but didn’t move away as Regulus pulled Sirius into a hug. ‘Sirius, I know Maman pulled us apart, and that, according to the stupid tapestry, we’re not brothers anymore, but I still love you. As brothers, Siri.’
Sirius seemed to relax at the childhood nickname, because he leaned more against Regulus. Regulus felt the need to ask the question that has been swirling around in his head. ‘Also, can I sit with y’all? I’m not really looking forward to sitting with the Slytherins.’
Sirius slowly pulled away from the hug, as he held Regulus. ‘Sure Reggie. I also still love you as a brother. Even though Maman separated us.’
They went to the Marauders’ usual compartment, and Regulus sat next to Sirius. It did feel quite weird, because he usually never sat with his brother’s friends, as their Mother had forbidden that. Suddenly, Regulus had to hide himself behind Sirius because of the other Slytherins passing the compartment. None of them seemed to have noticed Regulus, which was good, because if they did, they surely would’ve contacted his parents, which wouldn’t end very well. When they passed, Regulus sat back, relieved. Sirius and his friends were busy planning their upcoming prank, speaking excitedly. Meanwhile, Remus looked a bit off. Regulus tapped his shoulder softly, and asked him: ‘Lupin? Are you okay?’
Remus seemed surprised by this question, as he looked perplexed. ‘Not really i guess. Had a rough summer. Matron wasn’t very nice. Not like she usually is though.’
‘Sounds familiar, only- Wait, that Matron person, she’s a muggle, right?’
‘Yeah, she is.’
‘That Matron person sounds a bit like my mother, only, well, a muggle. And less cruel.’
‘Regulus?
'Yeah?
'Can i ask you something?'
'Sure'
'Are the rumors true? You know, that Sirius got disowned?’
Regulus looked at his brother with caution, before he answered. ‘Yeah. It was a rough experience though. even for me, while i didn’t get- you know.’ Remus looked sympathetic when he answered.
‘Yeah, I know.’ There was an awkward silence between them. Suddenly, Sirius spoke to him. 'Hey, Reg, wanna help us with a prank?'
'Uhh, what prank?' Regulus answered, confused. 'A prank on the other Slytherin skittles!' Sirius seemed really excited about it, and Regulus was kinda excited too.
'Sure! I'll help!' They talked about the prank awhile, and not much later, they had finally arrived at Hogwarts.