When Sirius was kicked out, he had long hair. When Sirius kicked and screamed, it was because he had to cut his hair. Sirius never complained when his parents punished him. Not until Walburga vanished all of his hair. From then on, Sirius would protectively clasp his hands overtop of his head when he caused trouble.
When Regulus was kicked out, he had short hair. When Regulus kicked and screamed, it was because he had long hair. Regulus made it public knowledge he hated his hair. So public, when Regulus left home a week after Sirius, everyone expected him to cut his hair. All of Slytherin House had no problem with his new hairstyle. They took issue when Regulus switched into the boys dormitories and started going by his chosen name.
Only the Slytherins knew about Regulus’ new change. Outside of the dungeons, Regulus was still known as Sirius' little sister. That all changed today. Today Sirius’ brother, top of his class, youngest Quidditch captain ever, Regulus Acturus Black would make his emergence from the dungeons and debut on the Quidditch pitch, leading his team in the first match of the New Year against Gryffindor.
“Jack!” Barty exclaimed
“That’s bloody awful” Evan remarked
“Oh well, sorry for trying to help!” Barty threw his hands up.
Pandora snorted behind Regulus while making a snip! More black ink spilled onto the floor.
“I swear, you two can never agree on anything” Dorcas rolled her eyes. She flipped through some chick-flick magazine. “What about Romeo?” Dorcas didn’t even look at Regulus. He laughed. “Absolutely not.” He declined. Pandora lightly swatted Regulus over the head. “Stay still, you numpty! Or you’ll end up with a cut from the paper shredder” She admonished.
“How about William?” Dorcas suggested
“Well that’s bloody pretentious” Evan rolled his head back until Barty began running his fingers through blonde curls
“I do agree. It practically screams you, Reggie” Barty sasses
Regulus rolls his eyes
“I thought I said not to call me that” He complained
“Well now your new name must simply start with an R-E-G. How else are we going to explain ‘reggie’?” Evan said
Dorcas dropped her magazine on her chest. “Reginald” She announced
Regulus groaned. “Dear Merlin! No!”
“All done!” Pandora held up a mirror. “What do you think?” Pandora asked
It has been almost a month since the day Pandora cut Regulus' hair. His locks barely hang low enough to tie back. He does so now, changing into the rest of his Quidditch gear. Regulus started playing Quidditch as a small act of rebellion. The feat is miniscule compared to how Sirius has defied their parents. Still, Regulus revels in his mucky boots and the knowledge his mother would throw a fit if she saw Regulus’ broom gloves.
There’s a knock on the door. The source of the noise is Regulus teammate, Marcus Flint, who leans carelessly against Regulus' doorframe. “You ready, captain?” Marcus smiles. Regulus summons his broomstick in his hand. “As I’ll ever be” Regulus remarks.
“Mr. Black, a word” Madam Hooch pointed to the sidelines. The rest of the team ‘ooo’d. This was the first practice Regulus felt the wind whip through his freshly shortened hair. Regulus jogged over to the Quidditch coach. Madam Hooch had her lips pursed. She surveyed Regulus head to toe.
Regulus expected her to comment on his sloppy haircut or bound chest. He prepared for it. Nothing the coach could say would be new. Instead, Hooch clucked her tongue. “Well you are a bit young but your teammates voted. They want you are their new team captain”
Regulus blinked, in disbelief. “No.” He uttered without a second thought
Hooch’s eyes narrowed. “Yes.” She snapped her fingers and a silver star embedded itself on Regulus’ robes.
Regulus dug the toe of his boot into the pitch. The star was an honour. He felt proud to wear it. No fifth year player had ever been team captain in the past. But he felt like a fraud. As if the star burned its way through Regulus’ clothes and revealed his un-authenticity. “No,” Regulus repeated, “they want Regina. I’m not her. I never was her”
Hooch blew out a breath. “They want a captain and they want you. I don’t care who you are, just win us the cup” she said. Regulus bit his lip to suppress a smile. He turned back to his teammates. “Alright guys,” Regulus transfigured an unearthed rock into a shiny whistle and blew it so hard his own ears hurt, “Fly seven laps and then we’ll run drills”
Everyone groaned. “C’mon Black! You can change your name to whatever, but seven laps is just pure evil!” Marcus whined. Nevertheless, he was the first to follow Regulus around the pitch. Seven laps later Peregrine Derrick, one of the teams’ Beaters who refused to accept Regulus’ transition, collapsed at Regulus’ feet. “Just evil, Regulus” she gasped for breath.
The whole of the Slytherin Quidditch team avoided the Great Hall on gameday. Instead, they shared muffins in the changerooms before running drills.
“You ready for today?” Marcus leans into Regulus’ personal space. Regulus had already changed clothes in his dorm. It made him feel safer. His team might have reluctantly quit the transphobic remarks after Slughorn lectured all of the House, but Regulus wasn’t about to push his luck by flashing his breasts in the male change room.
He nods tightly at Marcus, who is topless. Envy stabs Regulus in his not-so-flat chest. Marcus took a rough fall during drills. It ripped the front of his robes. Lucky the Flint family is one of the Sacred 28 pureblood families and filthy rich. Marcus has spare robes. Ones he is currently changing into.
Outside, Regulus can hear Hogwarts students filling the stands. Games are always packed. The whole school comes to them. Especially when Slytherin is playing Gryffindor. The two Houses rivalry’s are well known throughout the school. Regulus hears Gryffindor’s walk-out and warm up music playing. The aggressive lion’s roar is a dead giveaway. This time, it spikes Regulus' nerves.
Not all of the Slytherin team knows about the music change Regulus made to the warm up soundtrack. As they line up to walk out, Regulus thinks his rapid heartbeats are a giveaway something is up. Evan taps his broom handle with Regulus’. He knows.
All of the Slytherin team mounts their broomsticks. Except for Regulus, who takes a deep breath as the music starts. His teammates whiz by him. The crowd erupts. Gryffindor House is clearly confused. After all, the Gryffindor team just warmed up to this song. Regulus smirks as he sees his brother’s furrowed brow and confused look towards Pettigrew.
Regulus straddles his broomstick and takes off.
“And there’s number 7! Regulus Black is the new team captain this year after Dorcas Meadowes resigned earlier in the year!” Mary MacDonald announced in the microphone. The crowd screamed louder than before. Some in outrage but most in support. Regulus joined his team while flying laps.
“You certainly know how to make an entrance, Black!” Lucinda Talkalot yelled over the wind. Her long blonde hair rippled in the air as she laughed. Flying beside Lucinda, Adrian Pucey smiled and shook his head at the ground. Regulus grins and presses forward, flying to the front of the pack.
Regulus glances over where his brother sits in the Gryffindor stands. Sirius looks utterly baffled. He is ghostly pale and clutching Lupin for support. Regulus knows his study buddy is secretly dating his brother. He hasn’t gone to the library since he found out at Christmas. Regulus is still deciding whether he’s angry at Lupin or not.
“Did you know, ladies and gentlemen, that Regulus means Heart Of The Lion? I daresay this song suits Mr. Black perfectly!” Mary informs. Pandora winks from her seat on the Ravenclaw benches.
“Regulus,” Pandora says randomly
“What about it?” Regulus cocks a brow
“Your new name. Regulus. It fits with Sirius’ name, it also being a star and all” Pandora explains
Regulus frowned and spun around in his chair. “I don’t miss him” Regulus crossed his hands over his chest
Pandora sighed. “Of course not.”
Regulus spun around in his chair, which is actually Pandora’s chair. After being kicked out Regulus would’ve swallowed razor blades before going to the Potters. He ended up moving in with the Rosier’s. He touches a family photo of Evan, Pandora, their parents, their cat, and two dogs. The Rosier’s have been kind to him. Even when Regulus lashed out and yelled at everyone. He swallowed tersely. “Regulus does have a nice ring to it” Regulus stared at the photo.
Sirius appears on the verge of tears. Regulus doesn’t know why. Suppose he shouldn’t. The boy opposite him has earned that privilege. James Fleamont Potter is the infuriating 6 foot Gryffindor team captain. He’s a Chaser. Regulus is a Seeker. They barely cross paths during games. Aside from the coin toss.
James looks Regulus up and down. His eyes are as wide as saucers. Regulus scowls and gnashes his teeth together, mock biting. James winces and retches his eyes to Madam Hooch. A single gallon flies into the air. “Tails,” Regulus calls out confidently. The gallon lands face-side down. Regulus smirks and flies back to his starting position.
James seems to be in a trance. He flies into position just as the whistle blows. James is slow and sloppy. McKinnon has to pick up his slack the best she can. Regulus almost feels bad when he catches the Snitch in the second quarter of the game. The Gryffindor Seeker isn’t good at all. Regulus is surprised Potter even keeps them on the team roster.
Madam Hooch announces Slytherin as the winners and awards them 500 House points. Regulus searches the Gryffindor stands. Sirius is missing. So is Lupin and Petttigrew. Regulus immediately knows where they’re going. He panics as he thinks of confronting his brother for the first time since Sirius ran away.
“Congratulations” James holds out his hand to shake. Regulus makes a warning noise low in his throat. James drops his hand and runs it through his unruly curls. “Losers aren’t welcome at the Slytherin afterparty. Bye, Potter” Regulus hops on his broomstick as Sirius emerges onto the field.
~~~
“Absolutely brilliant!” Marcus hands Regulus a solo cup of liquid he won’t drink. “I’ve never seen someone catch the Snitch that fast!”
Regulus shrugs, bashfully. Meanwhile, he pours his drink into the potted plant to his left.
“On the table, Black!” Barty hoots from where Evan lays over his lap, very intoxicated and very touchy. Barty is taunting Regulus. The Ravenclaw knows that Regulus hates parties like these.
Regulus protests loudly. The other Slytherins nudge him towards the table, ignoring his refusals. Regulus’ eyes fall on four newcomers. All in red and yellow. Regulus is suddenly not so hesitant to get on the table. Barty cackles as Regulus tries to get his balance. His expression falls when he sees the real reason Regulus got on the table.
Pandora sits next to the two boys. Barty quickly deposits sleeping Evan onto Pandora’s shoulder and makes his way over to Regulus’ table. He quickly jumps on the table, beside Regulus, and throws his arms hazardously on Regulus' hips. Regulus gives a squawk of surprise. “Dance with me to piss your brother off” Barty whisper-yells in Regulus' ear. Regulus relaxes into his friend reluctantly and sways. The song is some pop track Dorcas would deny listening to while mouthing every lyric to a perfect match. The speakers boost the bass. Regulus feels the rhythm in his blood.
Regulus subtly looks over at the group of Gryffindors. Sirius looks as if he’s about to crack a molar, Lupin looks tired, Pettigrew is already absent, and Potter shockingly shares a similar look of anger. He grinds back on Barty and smirks. “Save it for later, Black” Barty says a bit breathlessly. Regulus continues to dance with his friend for the rest of the song before getting off the table.
Regulus pours himself a tall glass of cheap beer and returns to his friends. Evan is conscious and visibly upset. He is back in Barty’s lap but is staring directly at the ceiling with his jaw clenched in anger. Barty doesn’t look remotely aware of the turmoil he has just caused. Regulus rolls his eyes and slams back half his drink.
The song changes into a more upbeat song that Regulus bets is thanks to some other House charming the DJ. Regulus scans the room. Sure enough, Peter Pettigrew is making goo goo eyes with the Slytherin girl controlling the sound system. Sirius is stalking over to Regulus with Potter and Lupin in tow. Pandora sees them coming over as well and jumps up beside Regulus.
She snatches his wrist and drags Regulus through the crowd of sweating, dancing bodies. Pandora sends the middle finger to the Gryffindors and snags a bottle of water from the nearby table. She cracks the sealed lid and gestures to Regulus to open his mouth. Pandora has always been one of the people Regulus trusts implicitly. He drops his jaw without thought. Pandora skies some water in Regulus’ open mouth.
Out of the corner of his eye, Regulus can see a fuming James and his brother approaching. Regulus doesn’t question where Lupin went, he just takes Pandora’s hand and runs. As Regulus and Pandora arrive next to Barty and Evan, Regulus thinks he should’ve asked about Lupin.
Remus chats idly with drunk Evan. Regulus throws back the rest of his drink in defeat. If he must have this conversation with his brother, he’s not going to be sober for it. Soon, Regulus can see the colour of the music. The song is from an Italian band. Regulus started learning Italian when he was ten years old. He wanted something he could impress his brother with. He wrote several poems in Italian. Poems Sirius has never read. The boys always ended up fighting before Regulus could share them.
Someone handed Regulus another solo cup. This time the liquor was even stronger than before. It burned going down but relaxed Regulus immensely.
Regulus didn’t remember how he ended up on the couch where Lupin just sat. Remus was now hugging his boyfriend from behind. James Potter loomed over Regulus from behind the couch. Sirius looked a mix of horrified and concerned. “‘Ve no tits” Regulus giggled into a hiccup. Remus smothered a laugh in Sirius's hair.
Sirius frowned. “What’s your name?” He asked
Regulus snorted and looked to Pandora. “‘What’s your name?’ ‘e asks. Y’know m’ name, Siri” Regulus slurs. Barty chuckles. Sirius’ eyes are watering but tears won’t fall. Sirius is too bloody proud for that. Instead, Sirius squeezes his eyes shut and looks away. Remus rubs Sirius’ hip affectionately.
Regulus tips his head back. The boy behind him is pretty. He has the aura of the sun. Regulus hums the song playing under his breath. Heat rises to the boys face and he looks away from Regulus. Regulus scowls. He doesn’t like the boy looking away from him. Regulus reaches for the boy's chin and yanks it back to look at him. The boy smiles, but his eyes dart fearfully to Sirius. Regulus frowns. He wants the boys' full attention.
“James!” Sirius scolds. The boy pulls away from Regulus. Barty is covering his smile with his hand now. “You’re so fucked” Evan mumbles before closing his eyes. That seems like a good idea. Regulus is tired. Surely he’ll just close his eyes for a second and-
~~~
Regulus groans and sits up in his bed. “Ow, what happened last night?”
A twin pained noise comes from the bed across from Regulus
“I don’t even want to know” Evan whines
From the third bed, Barty snickers. “Evan, here” Barty hands over a bottle of painkillers
“Oi! Where are mine?” Regulus complains
“Go ask your brother. Who, by the way, camped out in the common room with his mates last night” Barty smiles.
Regulus throws his pillow at Barty.
“What. The. Fuck. Barty!”