V
It had been five days since Sirius Black left - five agonizing days. All that Sirius had left with was his leather jacket and hope from his younger brother. Regulus Black stood in his older brother's bedroom, seeing everything that remained. He didn't know if he should mourn the loss of his brother or fuel the anger that burned inside him and ignite the whole bedroom so that nothing would be left of Sirius' memory. Regulus chose the third option: to walk away and ignore the void behind the door. When he left the room, he met his mother's piercing eyes. Widening his eyes a little, he tried to keep a straight face, not letting her use his emotions against him - whichever emotion that was.
"You must be a great heir. The Noble House of Black cannot afford another embarrassment." His mother had said to him as if Sirius was nothing else than a bad grade - rather than her son.
"Oui, Maman". Of course, she was right. Regulus feared about returning to school. Would people think differently of his family? Would Sirius paint the picture as if their family was unworthy? He must be better for his family.
His mother had looked at the door behind him, took her wand out and locked the door. Turning to face him she said, with a stern tone. "Toujours pure".
"Bien Sur, Maman". With one last look, his mother had walked away. Leaving Regulus in front of his brother's room with new motivation. He must be better than Sirius. He must save his family's legacy.
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The following school year Regulus devoted his time to being the perfect heir. He used all his free time in the library, ensuring his grades were flawless. He made sure everything was perfect; his hair, skin, teeth. Yet he still felt undeserving of his title. It was when he witnessed the Dark Lord for the first time that Regulus felt he could be important. It had been on the annual Yule ball. Everything about the Dark Lord screamed regal how he talked as if he owned the world, how he bore himself with dignity. He spoke about saving the wizarding world from muggles. He wanted to ensure the safety of those who were pureblooded. Regulus wanted to be just like him.
"Regulus!" turning to look behind him he saw Evan Rosier.
A bit annoyed that his friend disturbed him from observing the Dark Lord Regulus answered "Good evening, Evan".
"Me and Pan, are going to meet with Barty after this. Would you like to join us?" Evan said after scoffing at Regulus' formality.
"I can't".
"Why? Going to study more?" Evan replied with a sarcastic tone.
"No, I simply do not have time for it".
"What the fuck is up with you? You never have time for us anymore. Ever since Sirius lef-"
"Shut up" Regulus glared at him. "Do not speak to me of that blood traitor".
"Alright, I'm sorry. Come with us Regulus, it will be more fun than this lousy ball". Evan said sincerely.
Before Regulus could reply his mother called for him. Looking over at his mother he saw that she was with his father. He turned to face Evan again with a polite nod. "Happy Yule, Evan".
"Yeah, you too" Evan replied with a somber voice.
Walking over to his mother and father he noticed a third person whose back was turned towards him.
"This is the Black heir, Regulus". His father said to the stranger. When the stranger turned to face him, he saw the Dark Lord.