Chapter 1
Regulus found herself seated back home at Grimmulad place, after receiving explicit permission from Dumbledore. Her cousin, Narcissa, was the one to accompany her for her "martial" lessons, as her mother called it. Bellatrix was far too insane and unsubdued while Andromeda, whilst embodying the role of a proper wife, went against their family customs.
“A proper wife submits to her husband,” Walburga declared. “But a proper Black knows when to submit and when not to.”
Regulus blinked, waiting for an explanation.
Walburga sighed. “Since you are a woman, I expect you to submit to your husband in a few things. His martial rights, to be crude, sexual intercourse and the usual wifely matters.”
Besides her, Narcissa shifted uncomfortably. Regulus eyed her. Narcissa was recently wed to Lucius Malfoy, and despite his usual family relationships, the two seemed genuinely happy with each other.
Regulus did not like the topic of sex. She never thought of it. In fact, a part of her feared it, having her hold close to someone at certain proximities.
“Mother, I don’t think I want to engage in… those acts.”
Walburga barked out a laugh. “Nonsense, silly girl.”
“I really don’t think I could stomach that, truly,” She insisted. The thought of it made her nauseous.
”You will not bring dishonor to our family,” Walburga replied, her voice growing cold. “You will submit and fulfill your duty, regardless of how you feel. Did you think I enjoyed my first night with your father?”
"Professor McGonagall told us if there is a healthy relationship, it'll be enjoyable," Regulus stressed. "I don't want to do it, and I don't want it to hurt."
"Silence!" Her mother snapped. "Are you obeying the silly words of a half-blood over your own mother?"
"No I--"
"It will hurt," Walburga cut her off, leveling her with a heavy glare. "You won't like it. You don't have to, women aren't designed to enjoy sex like men. Whenever that foolish boy demands it, you satiate his desires."
It grew silent. Regulus felt herself stiffen up. The idea of marrying James Potter grew disgusting in her eyes. She wanted to cry, but barely held herself back. As she did in the past, she pressed her tongue against the roof of her mouth to stop any tears.
“And my role as a Black?” Regulus asked instead.
“Well,” Walburga paused. She put her hands on her hips and eyed her daughter. “Your role as a Black comes before that as a wife to that Potter. If you were married to a respectful family, like Narcissa, I would have given you a different lecture. Until otherwise noted, you will continue serving this family and your role as the heir. Respect our family customs.”
”And of their children? Wouldn’t the first born be a heir of the Potter family?” Narcissa asked.
”If Sirius doesn’t fix his act, Regulus’s second male child will be named heir.” Walburga said dismissively. “The headmaster agreed with me on this.”
She turned around and took swift steps to leave the room. “Narcissa, I expect you to begin the etiquette lessons with her,” She said, before turning to bark out a command. “Kreacher! Get here right this instance and stay with Regulus!”
Kreacher immediately scurried into the room as Walburga walked out. The house elf slowly inched towards Regulus, and patted his hands a few time.
”Kreacher is happy for Mistress Regulus. Kreacher wishes Mistress Regulus married a better man that deserves her.”
Regulus couldn’t help the small smile after hearing those words. “Thank you Kreacher,” She said genuinely. “I should wish you accompany me to my new home after I wed.”
Kreacher’s eyes widened. “Mistress! Kreacher is happy to be with you!"
"You are oddly kind to your houself." Narcissa noted, leaning forward to observe them.
Regulus turned away from her. "Kreacher is a friend."
"Mistress Regulus is too kind. . ."
Narcissa sighed. She leaned forward and gently grabbed Regulus by her shoulders, turning her to face herself. For a moment, there was a flicker of pity in her cousin's eyes, something unusual for Narcissa to show since Andromeda's departure.
"What your mother said about. . .your martial duties," Narcissa began, albeit hesitantly. "It is not always like that."
Regulus laughed bitterly. "I thought you would teach me about etiquette, Cissy."
"I'm serious Reg," Narcissa continued. Kreacher also looked at Regulus with concern. "They told me the same thing when I was wed. Yet, Lucius never hurts me or pressures me. He is kind and gentle. Your wedding night. . .it shouldn't be painful."
"Mother said women aren't meant to enjoy it."
"Your mother is wrong!" Narcissa snapped before stopping for a moment. Her eyes widen, surprised by her sudden outburst.
"Kreacher will tell Mistress Black!" Kreacher declared, glaring at Narcissa.
"I command you to keep silent about this." Regulus whispered instead. Kreacher looked shocked, but nodded nonetheless.
"I'm not going to apologize," Narcissa retorted, blushing as she spoke the following words: "I tell the you the truth. I enjoy the nights I spend with my husband. Lucius treats me with upmost respect. That Potter boy shouldn't do any less."
"Not everyone is as lucky as you. Certainly not me." Regulus shot back bitterly, watching her cousin grow silent.
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Siruis was seated in the Great Hall, accompanied by Remus and James. James had been an ball of jittering energy since the news of his "betrothal."
"Really Sirius, I don't think I can face your mother again. Imagine becoming her son in law! I think she'd hex me into oblivion!" He ranted, stuffing himself with pancaked in the process. Very sugary pancakes--filled with jam and chocolate syrup. Not a fruit in site! Nauseating to look at, really.
"If you don't want to vomit, I'd suggest looking away, mate." Remus said whilst yawning. He could not sleep yesterday, not with his friend's staying up all night talking about James's situation.
"I get to stress eat all I want!" James continued ranting, his voice growing louder by the second. "I mean, we graduated Hogwarts already but they're holding me hostage! Does Dumbeldore think I'm going to run way before the wedding!?"
"I would expect it from you. . . " Remus muttered thoughtfully, offering a playful smile.
Sirius did not find it amusing. "Prongs, if you leave my sister on the altar, I will team up with Snivellus and beat you."
"Hey! I would never--oh look, Owls are here. Reminds me of the good old days. . ."
The 3 of them watched the owls scurry past students, dropping letters. A pale owl flew towards Siruis, elegantly dropping a letter before flying off.
"Wow. . .that owl had long hair. . ." James remarked in awe.
Siruis scoffed. "That's Malfoys. What did I do to recieve a letter from him . . .oh."
It was a letter from Narcissa, written in her ever so cryptic handwritting. He wasted no time in ripping the envelope open and reading the letter.
Siruis,
I'll keep it short. The wedding is in 2 days.
As usual, your mother's lessons are alarming. Regulus is not happy. I should expect you to finally fulfill your brotherly roles and give the blood traitor a stern talking to before the wedding. If I hear that he forced Regulus into anything, or hurt her, now or in the future, he will not be spared.
-Narcissa Black Malfoy
Sirius’ face paled as he read Narcissa’s letter. His usual rebellious smirk was nowhere to be seen, replaced instead by a furrowed brow and a tight frown. James, naturally, couldn’t help but lean over the table, trying to read over Sirius’ shoulder.
"What's that about?" James asked through a mouthful of sugary pancakes.
Sirius lowered the letter slowly, his stormy gaze fixed on James. "You."
James choked on his pancake. "Excuse me?! How does this always come back to me?"
"Because you," Sirius said, jabbing a finger at him, "are about to marry into this mess, and you're treating it like some joke! Do you have any idea how serious this is?"
James blinked, still coughing as he reached for a glass of pumpkin juice. "Oh, come on, Padfoot. It's not like I'm going to hurt her or anything. I mean, it’s me we’re talking about! I'm practically husband material!"
"James, you just said Dumbledore was holding you hostage," Remus reminded him, rubbing the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of your commitment."
Sirius leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone that James rarely heard. "Prongs, listen to me. My family is—how do I put this—bloody mental. My sister now thinks that her husband could force her into. . .into. . .having sex! And she probably thinks it'll hurt every time. . ."
"T-thats disgusting." Remus breathed out.
"If you hurt her, by Merlin, James. It's my baby sister. . ."
James blinked at him, finally looking genuinely concerned. "You’re not joking, are you?"
"No, I’m not," Sirius said sharply. "Look, I don't care if you’re freaking out about this, or if you’re not ready, or if you’re stress-eating enough sugar to kill a Hippogriff. But you are not going to back out or do anything stupid that puts my sister in harm’s way. You will be extra gentle with her. Got it?"
He seemed serious, and genuinely terrified. It was odd seeing Sirius act in such a way, but it was justified. He was always protective of Regulus, who was fine with harming herslef just to appease her parents.
James swallowed, nodding. "Don't worry, Padfoot. I would never hurt your sister or force her into anything. I would rather cut my hand off, I swear on it."
"Good." Sirius sat back, looking a little calmer, though his glare hadn’t entirely softened. "Because if you hurt her, Prongs, you’re not just marrying into my family—you’re putting yourself on their hit list."
James stared at his half-eaten plate of pancakes, his appetite gone. "Right. No pressure, then."
Remus chuckled softly, though he quickly stopped when Sirius shot him a warning look.
"Well, at least you’ve got two days to sort yourself out," He offered helpfully. "Maybe start by writing your vows, instead of stuffing your face with enough sugar to rot your teeth."