Destiny is a choice

Regulus Black did not like when things spiralled out of control. He very much liked having things go according to plan. First, he destroyed a horcrux. Second, ‘faking’ his death; the fact he actually died for a few minutes is beside the point. Anyways, next to follow was stealing and locking down the family home. Simple. Easy. Until it was not.

Now for the details, Regulus had found himself in service to the dark lord. Did he hate all muggle borns? No. Did he see the dangers they posed? Yes. Did he think muggles stole magic from wizards and witches? No, that is ridiculous. His youthful indiscretions had led to some terrible life choices. But in truth the reality of it all was a bit more complicated. It wasn't a black and white situation. He had many reasons to join. One of those reasons was himself and his best mate had formed a third side in the war. They didn't trust Dumbledore, and they didn't believe the dark lord actually cared about pureblood culture. One joined the Order of the Phoenix; which is how they realised how much Dumbledore could not be trusted. Dumbledore. The hypocrite, with some digging and research his partner had discovered that the good old headmaster had supported Grindelwald.

Regulus took on the mark and found out the dark lord's secrets. A halfblood, a bloke named Tom Riddle. It was actually pretty easy on Regulus' part to earn enough trust to have Tom ask a favour. To ask for a house elf that would listen to him. The dark lord had underestimated the bond between Kreacher and Regulus. He had made the elf swear to return to him after Tom was done with the elf. When Kreacher (half dead by the way) returned and he put the puzzle pieces together that Tom had created a horcrux. He knew what he had to do. Destroy the damn thing and if he lived go into hiding. He escaped the cave with the help of his friend and destroyed the horcrux after some more research. The whole thing had taken several months and it required him to return to Grimmauld place and to steal a preserved basalik fang. He even managed to fake his death by actually dying during the whole cave mess. It all seemed to be working out.

His childhood home was the perfect place to take over. You know that saying two birds, one stone. With a spell he had learned a long time ago he took over the fidelus charm and shoved the location out from everyone else's mind. He built up better wards and debated on what to do while he waited for the war to end. He worked on cleaning up his home. Doing renovations and fixing things up. He took a majority of the portraits down and the elf heads. Sorted through family heirlooms, sending the worse cursed ones to be stored at gringotts.

Until he got a letter one day.

Stardust

I know you are out there and hiding from the world. but I have a favour to ask of you and would like to meet. The sooner the better.

Soleil

Simple, straight to the point and vague. Always vague. With a sigh he wrote out a quick response.

Soleil

Let us meet in our spot. Where we would go to sit during winter breaks and summer months. Tonight, usual time.

Stardust

Stupid. It was a really stupid idea to meet up. Hey, you can’t blame Regulus though. He is in hiding with only a house elf to talk too. He needs to shake it up a little.

Stardust

I look forward to seeing you at our place.

Soleil

The place in question is a small muggle park in London. It was the meeting place between himself and James bloody Potter. They had started a friendship of sorts back when Regulus had been a couple months through his first year. James had been out past curfew that night and had run up to the astronomy tower to get away from Filch. Only to interrupt Regulus Arcturus Black's weekly star gazing. After that, you know what they say, the rest was history. James would join him twice a week in the tower. They bonded, they talked over things about home and the things Sirius didn't speak about. How their Maman had what they called the Black madness and no mind healer could help her. Their Papa became more absent as she worsened. Things he had never voiced aloud to anyone and in turn James admitted to things about himself. Regulus wanted to hate Potter but he found the two of them just clicked. James voiced they were kindred spirits. The words had made Regulus smile. It was in that moment back during first year that Regulus knew he always wanted to be friends with James Fleamont Potter. No matter what hardships may come. As kindred spirits they would always have each other and their secrets whispered, lost in the darkness of the night.

The small park is empty, but it is also the middle of the night in the beginning days of August. Regulus stands off to the side in the shadows made by trees. Remembering back to the night's long pass. Back in their Hogwarts years when they would plan nights in advance to meet here and talk. Once during winter breaks, and twice a month in summer. To the world of daylight, Potter and Black hated each other. They tormented each other and often gotten into duels. But the stars and moon knew better. James and Regulus had been best mates for a long time. Sirius got the title brother, soulmate, the other half to James. However, what Regulus and James shared went beyond that. It was something deeper, stronger, that always brought them back together. Even when their fights during the day got out of control they always showed up to their meetings. Regulus would know James’ soul in any life. The things they shared, stayed between them and the night sky. To be lost in the dark at midnight.

"Black."

"Potter. What in Merlin's name is in your arms."

"Remember that whole saving your life in that creepy cave thing? No questions asked. I need you to do the same for me now."

"I don't recall that event."

"Come on, Reggie."

"Don't call me that."

"Look, just take her. Here, I have the paperwork all filled and signed with our half done."

"Wait. Wait. James."

"Lily has found a spell that is a last ditch effort to save only one of our kids. We kept it a secret that we are expecting twins. The magic won't be enough for both. Just. It is powerful but it has limitations."

"I don't like kids."

"Perfect, she’s a baby. Not a kid. Look there’s even a letter and some photographs with the paperwork. That'll go more into detail."

"Jamie."

"Regs. Please. We have a traitor amongst us and.. I know I can trust you. You have always been painfully honest with me. We swore that no matter what the other asked we would be there. No questions asked. Kindred spirits."

Silence.

"Fine, give me the baby."

"Really?"

"Ugh. Just give me the baby and I'll keep her safe. I promise."

That was the last time I would speak to James Fleamont Potter. I would regret the things I didn't say. I would regret leaving quickly instead of staying and catching up with my best mate. It was a moment that filled him with regret.

Going home with such a small bundle created some new complications. Luckily, a majority of the portraits had been removed already and sent away to the Black manor. Except for uncle Alphard and great grandfather Phineas; both tucked into the library still. Phineas had been spying at Hogwarts for a long time. He hated Dumbledore and was willing to help Regulus out. Alphard was a free spirit and haunted the other family members for him. Their portraits had been spelled so nobody else could come into their photos.

"Kreacher."

CRACK

"Master Regulus calls?"

"Kreacher, Can you move a crib into my bedroom please. It appears we have a third member staying with us in hiding."

"Master Regulus brings home a baby. Master has been naughty. Kreacher shall do as Master asks."

Kreacher gave a bow, and disappeared.

As Regulus makes his way upstairs he finally looks at the bundle in his arms. The small thing is awake staring back up at him with wide brown eyes.

"Ah, you're awake. It is going to be just you and me from now on. Don't worry petite astre, I'll protect you."

That is why a couple days later Regulus finds himself sneaking into Gringotts for a meeting in the early hours of the day. The small bundle with him is fast asleep still. Unaware of the events about to take place today. With the soft rustling of fabric, he pushed the cloak into his pocket. He quickly ducks himself into a hallway and makes a beeline for the private office of Braisiolox. The goblin that is in charge of the Black family affairs and who would help him with the paperwork to make the adoption legal.

"Master Black, it is a pleasure to be seeing you alive."

Braisiolox, I hope this meeting stays between us. I find myself in need of finishing some adoption paperwork and setting up a vault for my new ward. I also need the starting work put in place to help keep my name clear so I don't get shoved into Azkaban. "

Regulus sits down in a chair and pulls out everything he needs. He pushes the paperwork for the adoption across the table towards the goblin. While pulling out separate paperwork and a box that has some of the needed things to keep him out of prison should he be found alive.

"For the adoption work all we need is your signature and of course the drop of blood to make it binding; should you wish to blood adopt. Ah, yes they have also left the name for the ward blank as well. You shall have to name her."

Aurora Lilia Jem Black.

He fills out the paperwork quickly, choosing what could almost be considered a standard pureblood name with a bit of a dramatic flair. He is a Black after all. Using his wand he makes a small cut on his hand and drips blood onto the paperwork. Watching as the blood seeps into the page. He looks at Aurora and watches as the blood adoption takes place. Her little bits of blood red hair turn to raven black. If she was awake her eyes would have shimmered and change to a startling grey. A grey that he knows is going to turn silver and possibly have blue flecks in it. If they are really lucky she may have the rare green flecks in them instead. After all, Regulus himself has the silver eyes with green flecks in them.

”Her vault shall be added in beside yours, Mister Black." Braisiolox slid a small black vault key across the table towards him.

"This here is the stuff I have managed to get together to help clear my name." He slides the research and the box across the table.

In reality Regulus has pulled together the research he had done on the dark lord. Which has his real identity, and information on the horcrux he made. The box itself contains the destroyed horcrux. This when presented before the wizengamot council would help clear his name. Should Regulus Black ever be brought before a trial.

"Ah, I see the dark lord has in fact dabbled in some very dark soul magic. We shall add this to the file we have for you and continue to gather more eye witness statements and other evidence to help clear your name."

"Thank you, Braisiolox. I shall be taking my leave now."

"Good luck, Mister Black."

Regulus makes his leave quickly. Pulling out the silver cloak from his pocket. Once back home Regulus makes his way to the library. Before he dives into his next read he walks to an empty wall and summons a door there. Opening it reveals a nursery. One of the finer things he had ordered. A special door that could be summoned to anywhere in the house that could keep Aurora close but also do what he needs. He puts her back into her crib and walks back into the library, leaving the door open behind him so he can listen for her cries.

"Tell me nephew, do you plan to come out of hiding when she is of age for school?"

"Uncle Alphard, When the time is right I shall return to the wizarding world. I am merely waiting for Tom to die."

"Ahh, great grandson and what if that takes years?"

"I doubt it'll take years. The order may be a sham of a group but they do have some competent fighters. Plus, once the Potters are no longer in harm's way they'll take her back. No point in getting attached."

Neither of the portraits say anything to this. They just glance at each other quickly with unspoken words and look back down at Regulus. Who is making a point of looking at his book and not at them. No, it wouldn't be right to get overly attached to the girl. She had parents, ones who would want her back once the war is over and they are safe. This is the way it had to be.

May 21st 1981

The day his young ward says her first word. They are down in the kitchen eating some fruit and toast for breakfast. She is sitting in her high chair when she looks at him and speaks.

"Papa."

Regulus stops, blinks. Puts his toast back down and looks at her. He for the most part had been speaking mostly French around her. After all, every child should learn at least two languages.

What makes him hesitate however is the fact she called him father. He had been hoping for the term uncle. He stares at the young girl in front of him. He stares at the curly mess of black hair, with that one long strip of white that matched his own. Regulus was putting in a lot of work to get her hair to settle from the Potter mess. He stares into the silver eyes that have flecks of green and brown. Which is a first for the house of Black.

"Ma petite astre, allons-nous nettoyer et aller à la bibliothèque?"

(My tiny star, shall we clean up and go to the library?)

Papa, The term gives his heart a slight warmth. The ice that has caged it for so long seems to melt slightly. He shoves one more slice of toast into his mouth, and waves his wand to stack the dishes back by the sink. With another flick of his wand a camera comes flying to him. A quick snap to forever remember this moment. When it comes time for her to return to the Potters they'll want everything documented. She squeals in delight as he sets her free from the chair. Sweeping her up in his arms and heading towards the library.

July 31st 1981

Regulus has no desire to spoil his young astre. He has no desire to celebrate her birthday, or make a spectacle. He does so anyway because it is what Lily and James would want. Kreacher makes them a spectacular breakfast, a simple lunch and a wonderful dinner followed by a way too large cake. As a dutiful caretaker, he makes sure to use the camera. After they eat dinner they go and sit in the library where Uncle Alphard and Grandfather Phineas sit in their portraits. They cheer in delight as his petite étoile opens various gifts.He gives her the best toddler broom one can buy (Firebolts are excellent for seekers). After all James had been an excellent chaser during his time at Hogwarts and Regulus himself had been the best seeker during his years. Which is also why he got her a toddler snitch to chase around. A simple hoop, and a quaffle to practise with. All toddler friendly. It makes perfect sense to make sure she can pursue both positions of a seeker and a chaser. If anything it makes her more desirable to be accepted on the team. He is sure James would approve of the gifts.

For Lily's sake he has gotten her several different new books. From both the wizarding world and muggle world. Plus, he even got her a small piano that she can smash her fingers on. He knew Lily had loved classic music and enjoyed the ballet. James had talked for hours sometimes about the her and how he could impress her. Many pictures are snapped as she giggles over each new gift. They would all go into different albums and frames. Regulus has also picked up a photo album titled 'All My Firsts' that is filled with various milestones. He has a second album that is just full of pictures of everyday life. It has some of him and his star together. Those ones had been taken by Kreacher when the elf had managed to sneak them. Of those photos where it is just the two of them, his favourite is framed and sits on his bedside table. The photo itself is of the two of them laying on the couch in the library. She had fallen asleep partway through a story. Her head resting against his chest while he keeps reading aloud. It is also unimportant that it is the day she called him Pa-

"Papa, vole!"

(Dad, fly!)

"Oui, astre. Sortons au jardin."

(Yes, Star. Let's go out to the garden.)

August 1st 1981

Regulus sat in the study while Aurora was napping. He carefully opened the letter that he had received a year ago. In the middle of the night. On a night that was July 31st but had bled past midnight by the time they met.

Regs,

For starters, enclosed in this letter are the only copies of family photos that contain the four of us. We hope you can keep these safe for us while you look after our daughter. Which brings me to the rest of this letter.

With this letter I have included adoption papers that have been signed by both me and Lily. It may seem crazy but we need to be sure that in case anything happens she is safe and hidden away. That my daughter stays hidden in the dark at midnight. At least for as long as possible. For as long as you can give her, Regulus. Just do the best you can.

Hopefully, it never comes to that and in a few short months we can all celebrate and finally be a whole family. I am sure Harry is going to love his Uncle Reg! You know, We picked Sirius for one of his godfathers, but Reg. The other spot of godfather is for you. When you come out of hiding I want to make it official with all the paperwork and everything, That is of course if you want that responsibility. It's yours.

Anyways, the reason we are going into hiding is because this seer (Sybil, You remember her from Hogwarts?) saw something and a prophecy was spoken. Something along the lines of

“"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies. The Dark Lord will mark him as his equal.”

There was more but dumbledore wouldn’t pass that information along. Which leads to why we are going into hiding under a powerful secret keeping spell. You know who the keeper of said secret is going to be. The black dog is the most loyal after all. Lily also found this spell that was in this book she refused to let me see. All she informed me off is that it is old magic and had the potential to save Harry should anything happen.

I am slightly worried that she won’t tell me what exactly the spell is but I trust her with my life.

Stay safe, Regs.

James

Several pictures lay on the desk. Pictures he had kept hidden away. The only family photos of all four of them. There were a couple of the twins, some of them with their parents. What really got Regulus though was the photos where James and Lily held Aurora alone. You could see the adoration and love in those looks. The heartache at the coming goodbye.

It was a complicated day of joy and pain for Regulus.

October 28th 1981

Aurora is sitting in her highchair eating some pumpkin pie. Together (mostly Regulus) have been working together to carve her first pumpkin. They had decorated the backyard with some decorations, and the house itself even has decorations plastered around it. His étoile, his petite astre was much too young to be trick or treating but he figured the Potters would enjoy it; if her photos during this month had the theme of Halloween in them. He does have a Samhain bonfire planned for Halloween night. Plus, together they had built a small altar for the holiday. Where he had explained to Aurora that the altar was meant to honour those no longer here. He had included photos of his father, uncle Alphard, grandfather Phineas, Dorea and Charlus Potter, plus Euphemia and Fleamont Potter. He didn't really know James' parents but it felt right to include them on the altar. Kreacher as always had taken photos of the two while they placed things onto the altar.

"Papa, musique?"

(Dad, music?)

He can't help the grin that comes across his face. Sure, the pronunciation isn't perfect and she stumbles a little over the word; but her French is pretty advanced compared to her few English words. Oh, they are going to lose their minds when she goes back to them and she can barely speak English (she does understand the language). He feels his smile fall slightly at that thought. One day. This isn't forever. She has to go back to them when the war is over. That thought alone is enough to shatter some of the ice around his heart and it hurts. Merlin's beard, does it hurt. Without a word he grabs her out of the highchair and squishes her close. If she wants to go play in the music room, the music room they shall play.

October 31st 1981

"Papa!"

Regulus lets out a heavy sigh as he hears screams coming from the nursery. Always such an early bird. Awake with the morning sky, just like James got up with the sun. He walks to the next room and peaks in. She is standing and holding onto the railing. A smile on her face as she continues to call out and ask for breakfast. The moment he peeks his head in she giggles in delight and reaches her little arms out towards him.

"Good morning, Star. Que devrions-nous manger au petit-déjeuner ce matin?"

(What should we eat for breakfast this morning?)

"Yaourts! S'il te plaît."

(Yogurt! Please.)

He pulls her out of the crib and proceeds to start getting her ready for the day. They spend the day trying to do Samhain and Halloween themed activities. They coloured pictures with ghosts and ghouls. They played music that had an ominous sound. She napped, and only cried a couple of times. When the sky starts to darken slightly, he brings her outside. With his wand he casts a small incendio and explains more about this holiday in both worlds. At some point she is fast asleep in his arms. Her face flushed from the warmth of the fire. In the distance he can hear children running and laughing down the streets.

"Master Reggie should be returning inside. Kreacher shall watch the fire."

"Cheers, Kreacher."

November 1st 1981

DAILY PROPHET

HE-WHO-SHALL-NOT-BE-NAMED KILLED BY THE-BOY-WHO-LIVED

Last night tragedy struck in Godric's Hollow where James Potter and Lily Evans have both passed away. Leaving behind a son…

Regulus just stares at the front page. Star is munching down her breakfast beside him. He keeps reading it over and over. Trying to process it. This can't be happening. No. His care over Star was supposed to stop when Tom died. They weren't supposed to die with him. The room shrinks, sounds disappear.

Inhale

Exhale

Inhale

Exhale

Inhale

Inhale

Inhale

Regulus Black can't breathe.

James.

"Kreacher can take care of the young miss for the day."

Regulus couldn't say anything, he just gave a small nod. He took the newspaper and went to the study. He needed to process this and figure out what came next.

November 2nd 1981

He should not have made a plan. Nothing ever goes to plan.