Two Birds

Regulus awoke early with nightmares of Sirius abandoning him. Sirius had gotten his Hogwarts acceptance letter and danced around the kitchen happily as Regulus sat with his thoughts. Sirius was leaving him alone. With them. With their parents. He would be joining their cousins at Hogwarts. Bellatrix and Narcissa Black. Andromeda had graduated and married a muggle-born named Ted Tonks. Regulus’ mother was furious with her sister, gossiping about the lack of love for the Black family’s reputation. How it was a sin. They had told Regulus and Sirius in the kitchen that if they married outside the purest of families, any marriage against the family’s wishes would end them with a one-way ticket to being disowned.

The Blacks arrived at Diagon Alley to buy Sirius’ school supplies. Regulus was forced to come along, his parents not wanting to leave him alone. They walked with Bellatrix and Narcissa as they also bought supplies. For them, their final year. Regulus would be going to Hogwarts next year. He followed his family through the street, head held high. Just like he was taught.

The first stop was Madam Malkin’s for Sirius’ outfit requirements. He would need three sets of work robes, a pointed hat, a pair of dragon hide gloves, and a winter cloak. They walked into the shop that was already busting full of students getting their needs met. Regulus watched from the window seal he was leaning against as Sirius got his clothing supplies. A frown was set on Regulus’ face. His father who stood next to him nudged him.

“Lose the expression, Regulus.” Orion spoke dryly with a neutral expression.

Regulus immediately lost the expression, going to a neutral expression.

The next shop was Flourish and Bloots for Sirius’ books. Regulus walked with Sirius as he grabbed his books. Regulus picked up a book on magical creatures. He flipped through some of the pages, seeing the pictures of bow truckles, ash winders, and hippogriffs. He approached his mother with a smile on his face.

“Mother, May I get this book?” He asked.

“No. That is not a boy’s book. That book is too feminine for you. “ His mother said coldly.

Regulus sighed and went to put the book back. His mother walked up to him.

“We will go to Knockturn Alley. We will get a book for you there.” His mother said before walking up to Sirius and asking him if he had collected all his books.

The group of four walked to Cauldron Workshop to pick up SIrius’ cauldron. It had to be pewter, standard size two. Regulus watched Sirius grab it and carry it to the counter, Mother trailing behind.

They finished up their supply shopping after a few more stops and headed towards Eeylops Owl Emporium. Regulus watched Sirius look through the isles of owls on their perches. Sirius picked out a majestic horned owl. Regulus watched Sirius smile as he walked up to the counter to tell the shopkeeper which one.

“Mother?” Regulus spoke quietly as he walked up to her.

“Yes, Regulus?” Walburga spoke up.

“May I get my owl early? To write my brother.”

“Pick out a suitable owl.” She sighed.

Regulus quickly picked out a horned owl. He pointed it out to the shopkeeper who grabbed both owls and put them in cages before walking up to the counter. The Black family. Left the owl emporium and walked to Ollivander’s.

Regulus was in awe as they walked in. There were shelves lined in rows behind the counter full of wand boxes. An older man with greying hair was working behind the counter as they approached. The man was around Orian’s height with brown hair. Grey streaks filled his hair. As he looked up from behind the counter, Regulus noticed the silvery eye.

“As Mr. Black. I knew I was expecting you this year.” Ollivander smiled.

“I’m here for my wand, Sir.” Sirius smiled at the man.

Ollivander went to the shelves and looked at the boxes before grabbing a green one. He approached the counter and undid the lid, holding the box out for Sirius.

“Well, give it a wave,” Ollivander spoke calmly.

Sirius grabbed the wand and held it in his right hand. He gave it a small wave. Immediately, boxes flew off the shelves behind Ollivander’s head. Sirius immediately set the wand back down, looking sheepishly up at Ollivander.

“Nope. Not that one.” Ollivander said as he took the wand box back to the shelves. Ollivander grabbed a red wand box next. He walked back up to the counter, box in hand. He opened it and held it out.

“ I think, this one will be perfect.” The man said with a smile.
Regulus saw Sirius grabbed the wand. It immediately gave off small silver sparks. Sirius gave it a wave and bright white light emitted from the tip. Sirius smiled and looked back at the man who smiled and gave him a nod. Regulus’ mouth dropped open as he saw the light emit from the wand. He couldn’t wait until his first year when he could get a wand.

They walked down an alleyway, arriving at Knockturn Alley. They walked into Wizarding Supplies to get Regulus’ book. The store was lined with shelves against the wall and a counter in the back. The atmosphere was dark and damp. A few wizards shopped near the shelves. Walburga walked up to a shelf and grabbed a book entitled “The Dark Arts: A Legal Companion.” Walburga paid for the book before handing it to Regulus. He looked down at the book and its cover. It featured a black cover with a black leather strap running down one side. A silvery skull could be seen on the cover.

“Study it, Regulus. It may come in handy.” Walburga said with a smirk.

The family walked out to the three broomsticks, entering the inn, Walburga carrying the owl cage, Sirius dragging his new trunk behind him. Regulus carried his owl cage with a smile. They used the floo network and arrived back at Grimmauld Place. Sirius was told to go put his stuff away and pack to leave in a few days for Hogwarts. Regulus watched Sirius walk upstairs.

After a short while, Regulus walked up the stairs to Sirius’ room and stood in the doorway. He watched Sirius pack his trunk. They would be walking him to the platform in three days. Regulus sighed as he watched his brother pack, making Sirius turn around.

“Hello, Reggie. Here to watch me pack?” Sirius smirked.

“I’m just studying for what I need to pack next year.” Regulus lied.

Sirius nodded softly and went back to packing.

“I want to be just like you, ya’ know?” Regulus continued.

“Yeah? How so?” Sirius turned his head to look.

“You’re so good. So pure. You do your best to uphold Mother and Father’s word. I promise I’ll do what you do when you go to school. I Promise I’ll be good.” Regulus looked at him sadly.

“Hey.” Sirius stood and walked over, grabbing his brother’s shoulders. “ It’s just for a few months. Then I’ll be back.”

Regulus nodded before heading back downstairs for dinner. He was starved after being out all day. They had eaten lunch before leaving, but all that walking made Regulus hungry. Sirius soon came downstairs to join them for dinner. They were having roast chicken tonight, one of Regulus’ favorites. He didn’t seem to enjoy it as much this time as he normally did. He figured it was the fear of Sirius leaving him.

What if Sirius made new friends and didn’t need him anymore? Regulus supposed he would still be here at the house to comfort Sirius if he ever needed him. And he had Sirius to comfort him. Still, the fear remained as the day approached for Sirius to leave. He would be gone until a few days before Christmas. Regulus was not excited.