Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked

Two weeks passed quietly. Regulus still found himself avoiding his brother. He still hadn’t bothered to meet his roommates or make any friends. He felt quite content with hanging around Narcissa in his free time. As far as Regulus could tell, she didn’t have a problem with him trailing behind her constantly.

Trailing along with him, was one Severus Snape. Regulus paid no mind to the boy, he never bothered to acknowledge him. There were moments where he felt a pang of jealousy as the boy won over Narcissa’s attention sometimes. Snape mostly floated around Lucius Malfoy and his group of big headed purebloods, so he wasn’t much of a problem.

As time went on, the other Slytherins seemed to have noticed how attached Regulus was to Narcissa. On one particular day, someone had made an out of pocket remark against Regulus’ sad demeanor. He’d never spoken a word to his peers, the suddenness of it caused him to be slow with a defense. His hesitancy led to Narcissa stepping up for her little cousin out of instinct.

She might as well have thrown him to the wolves. He knew she didn’t mean to, but her defending him, made him seem helpless in the eyes of others. Since then, the older Slytherins have been picking on him endlessly.

Regulus couldn’t do much to stop it. The bullies were well respected pure bloods, his mother would have a fit if one of them were to cry to their fathers about Regulus taking revenge on them. He’d rather take the punches than be known as a snitch.

If it were Sirius getting bullied, their mother wouldn’t have hesitated to put her foot down. She would’ve never allowed anyone to walk all over the heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Regulus isn’t Sirius. Regulus isn’t the heir. Walburga Black would never bat an eye at the assaults.

The one who led the attacks was a seventh year, Lorcan Avery. He’s one of the oldest students attending Hogwarts that is apart of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. Avery took great pride in it. The moment his elders had graduated, he had rounded up a handful of younger pure bloods to be his goons. Since then, he’s been finding any way to strike fear into others. Avery saw Regulus’ momentary weakness that fateful day and took it upon himself to squash the boy’s peace. If he could manage to undermine a Black, then he’d be one step ahead of most noble families.

Avery wasn’t the smartest of the litter, but he wasn’t stupid either. He always made sure to attack Regulus when Narcissa isn’t around. The first time it had happened, Regulus was stunned, not from a hex, but out of fear. Yes, Regulus had his fair share of cruel punishments, but it was different coming from someone that wasn’t his mother. It felt even more dehumanizing.

To avoid the teasing, he distanced himself from Narcissa. Regulus knew he was probably annoying his cousin by always following her around anyway. He spent his days away from the common room and in the library. He knew Sirius wouldn’t be caught dead in a library, and that most Slytherins stayed away unless they needed to study. Either way, Avery didn’t strike him as the type to enter a library by choice.

It felt as though everything Regulus did, Sirius did first. Every professor took one glance at Regulus’ last name and had something to say about his brother. Even the bullies had compared him to Sirius. The library was the one place that Sirius hadn’t tainted or made a name for himself in.

His eyes scanned the books, looking for his next read. A book with a deep blue cover caught his gaze. Just as he laid his hands on the book, it pulled away from him. He blinked before his eyes laid on a girl with long braids. The candle light made her dark skin glow in an ethereal way. Regulus couldn’t help it when his breath hitched at the sight of her Slytherin tie. He prepared himself for a snide remark or possibly a hex.

An awkward moment passed as the girl stared back at Regulus with a confused look.

“Were you going to take this?” She questioned calmly, referring to the book that was now in her hand.

Regulus felt perplexed. He had assumed the girl was going to eat him alive with insults.

“Yes.”

The girl read the title before glancing back at Regulus with an odd look. “What’s a first year doing reading a book on fifth year transfiguration?”

His brows furrowed. Nobody had ever bothered to ask about his reading. He immediately felt himself get defensive. Surely, whatever motive the girl had for knowing his business wasn’t good.

“It’s none of your business.” The snap didn’t have as much venom as he would’ve hope. He glanced over the girl once more, she didn’t look older than a third year. “You certainly aren’t a fifth year. What are you doing reading that book?”

The girl hummed, a smirk forming along her lips. “Touché.”

Without another word, the girl walked off. Regulus stood there with his brows still furrowed. A moment later, —to his surprise— the girl popped up beside him. He hadn’t even noticed her walking up.

He shot her an incredulous look.

“What’s your name?”

“Regulus Black..” He felt uneasy, the girl was no doubt intimidating. It felt as though she were ready to pounce at any moment. In his best effort, Regulus straighten his back more than normal. There was a pinching pain shooting up his spine. He tried his best to ignore it and not twitch. The flash of curiosity that flew across her dark face showed that his poker face too good.

The girl didn’t make any effort to hide the fact that she was practically examining him.

“Dorcas Meadowes.” She stuck her hand out. Regulus didn’t recognize her name, surely she wasn’t one of his mother’s spies seeing as her last name wasn’t of any pureblood family he recognized. He stared at her hand, not really wanting to come into contact with another person at the moment. Yet, she was the first person other than Narcissa who didn’t call him some childish name in weeks. Reluctantly, Regulus shook her hand.

“Say, Regulus Black, do you often study advanced spells?” Her gaze was cold, yet calculating.

He tried his best to look menacing, but the baby fat that still hung around his cheeks worked against him. Regulus still wasn’t sure if she had any desires of hexing him. Maybe this was her playing a long game to throw him off guard. “Well, yes.”

Her lips twitched in approval. She muttered something, before handing him the book. He stared at it as if it might burn him if he laid his boney fingers on it.

“I’ll be seeing you around then.”

Really, Regulus didn’t feel like seeing anyone around. He was quite content with being alone. Being alone meant that there was no trouble. He watched as Dorcas Meadowes disappeared behind the never ending aisles of books.

Why must everyone be so odd?

After a few hours, Regulus finally came out of his dark corner in the library. It was a Saturday, most of the older students were at Hogsmeade so he couldn’t seek out Narcissa.

He browsed the shelves for a book to take back to his room. He had finished the transfiguration book about an hour ago.

As he made his way towards another shelf, Regulus caught a glimpse of a boy reading at a nearby table with shaggy brown hair. It wasn’t the boy’s hair that quipped his interest. No, it was the boy’s scars that ran all over his face.

The boy had drawn in Regulus in a way he’d never felt before. Regulus quickly threw himself behind a shelf. He didn’t understand why his heart had skipped a beat or why his palms had suddenly became so sweaty.

Cautiously, he peered through a book, watching the boy intensely.

The boy rested his cheek in his hand as he flipped through the pages of a book. Regulus’ mind was a mess. Something about the scarred boy cultivated the young Black.

Regulus had never felt this way towards anyone before. It was confusing, his stomach felt like a snitch was flying around in it. His hand gripped the edge of the bookshelf, surely he was just coming down on something? Maybe Madam Pomfrey has a potion that could help. Yes. Yes, a quick trip to the hospital wing would suffice.

“Remus!”

His heart sank. The snitch was suddenly gone and replaced with a pit of dread. His heart was still racing. Regulus knew that voice. He’d recognize his brother’s voice anywhere.

The scarred boy looked up. It took Regulus no more than a second for him to connect the dots. Of course, the boy was Remus Lupin. The boy that Sirius would talk about with stars in his eyes. Why did Sirius have to be such a people person. His brother could’ve had the graciousness to let at least one interesting person alone for him.

As Sirius got closer to Lupin, Regulus staggered back, falling into a stack of books behind him. A yelp escaped his lips before he could stop it. Seconds later, Regulus was on the floor with books scattered around him.

A hitched breath caused him to snap his head towards the aisle. Regulus cursed Merlin when he saw Sirius standing there with his mouth hanging open in shock. The cherry on top was the moment Remus Lupin appeared beside him.

“Everything alright, Sirius?” Lupin’s voice still hadn’t deepened from puberty, but it was just as enchanting to Regulus.

“Regulus.”

His brother sounded like the wind had gotten knocked out of him. Regulus scoffed. He wasn’t the one who was on the floor. Lupin’s eyes fell upon him. He could feel his ears burning in embarrassment. Regulus felt hyper aware of everything. The way he looked, his clothes, the way he sat. Oh Salazar, Lupin probably thought Regulus looked like an idiotic sack of bones on the floor. In that moment, Regulus knew he needed to throw himself off the Astronomy tower as soon as possible.

He began picking himself up, not bothering to pick up the books as well. He needed to get out of there.

“Regulus, why have you been avoiding me?” His brother’s voice was steady, but he knew it wouldn’t stay strong long. Lupin glanced between the brothers. With a pat on Sirius’ shoulder, he made his way back to the table, giving the Black brothers a sense of privacy.

“I haven’t been avoiding you.” Regulus snipped. Although it was a lie, Sirius didn’t need to know that. He didn’t need to know that Regulus has been terrified of seeing his disappointed gaze.

“Yes, you have. I’ve practically been chasing you down since the train.” He frowned, his voice had a bit of sass to it. “Look, I know it’s been hard. You must not have wanted to be in Slytherin. It’s okay though, James and I came up with a plan!”

Regulus nearly let himself feel hopeful, that was until Sirius brought up the Potter boy. Of course, it was always James Potter.

“We could go to Dumbledore! Surely he’d understand that the sorting hat was wrong. That thing is old anyway, it was bound to mess up eventually.”

He allowed Sirius to ramble. Any sensible person would know that plan was stupid. For a moment, he had let himself feel hope, that maybe his brother was willing to accept who he had to be.

“Mother would’ve killed me if I wasn’t a Slytherin. I had to make her proud.”

“That’s not funny, Reg.” Sirius’ face soured at the mention of Walburga. “The boys and I planned it all out. Even if Dumbledore doesn’t approve, we could just borrow the hat without him knowing—“

“Sirius. I’m a Slytherin. Whether you like it or not, I’m a Black, I was meant to be a Slytherin.”

“Oh nonsense, I’m a Black and I’m in Gryffindor. You don’t always have to listen to mother.” Sirius waved him off as if it was a childish excuse. “So, back to what I was saying, once the hat sorts you correctly, he’ll see reason and realize that you were wrongfully sorted!”

Every time Regulus tried opening his mouth to Sirius ignored him, instead continuing his explanation of his oh-so brilliant plan. Regulus wasn’t sure how his brother could be so convinced that he needed saving. It was like Sirius wasn’t even listening to him.

“Just stop. Mother told me I had to bring honor to our name, she said I couldn’t end up like you. Being a Slytherin was inevitable. I am a Slytherin. Why can’t that be enough for you?” He hadn’t expected his tone to be so harsh. Regulus was tired of everyone constantly ridiculing him. In their mother’s eyes, Regulus was practically useless, he didn’t have as much value as Sirius. In Sirius’ eyes, Regulus couldn’t be good as long as he’s a Slytherin. In the eyes of his fellow housemates, Regulus wasn’t strong enough to fit in. He was just another timid little boy that got bullied. Regulus was never good enough for anyone. “Screw honor. If you stay in Slytherin, you’ll turn out like the rest of them!” Sirius practically shouted. Yes, he missed his brother. Yes, he wanted his brother, his best friend, but how could he be the person Sirius wants him to be when he had to be the person their mother needed him to be. Regulus had allowed himself to think that maybe he could’ve been enough for Sirius, but why have the useless Slytherin brother when he had shiny Gryffindor friends waiting for him.

The pent up frustration from the past few weeks came flooding out. All the teasing, the stress, the hexes, the emotions. “I am not you. Even if I were wrongfully sorted, I would just be stuck in your shadow forever. You should know better than anyone the pressure I have. I can’t just be another disappointment to our mother.”

The implication had Regulus snapping his mouth shut. He hadn’t meant to imply that, but what’s said was said. Sirius’ face fell.

“Just another disappointment? That’s how you see me..? His brother’s voice was low and hollow. Although he was familiar with that tone, Regulus was never on the receiving end of it before .

Regulus stammered, trying to find words to make up for what he had just said. Ultimately, his mouth snapped shut once again and stared at Sirius’ shoes. He felt the familiar warm liquid trailing down his fingers once again. He hadn’t even realized he had started again.

“Regulus, you’re hanging out with a bunch of pureblood supremacists. If anyone’s the disappointment, it’s you. Please, let’s just go to Dumbledore.”

It felt like someone had punched Regulus’ gut and stomped him out. Sirius was much too ignorant about the severity of what walking away would be.

“They’re our family! Sirius, I know they aren’t the best of people, but I can’t turn my back on them. They’re all we have. I won’t survive the summer if I do.”

Their shouting had gotten louder, loud enough the draw attention from multiple people. Regulus felt his temper flare. How could Sirius not care about how this looks? Their mother could find out about this and punish them for even thinking about betraying her expectations.

“Don’t be such a coward, Reg. She has her claws gripped on you so tightly, you can’t even think for yourself. You’re nothing more than her puppet sometimes! Just let me help you.” Sirius was always an animated talker, it only got worse as he got upset.

“I’m not the heir! I can’t just get away with things like you can. They don’t care if their punishments kill me. I cannot always waltz around the castle without a care in the world. I’m disposable. If I don’t act right, I will be disposed of.”

The words tumbled out of his mouth. Regulus hated arguing with Sirius, he never knew how to control himself when he did. It almost made him wish he would stay timid. Almost.

The words were like a slap in the face for Sirius. Regulus could only wish they were a wake up call. He opened his mouth, trying to explain himself, but the words never came as Madam Pince appeared out of nowhere. The strict woman screeched at the boys, telling them to leave the library immediately.

Regulus didn’t need to be told twice. Within a blink of an eye, he was gone. Sirius had stayed behind, Regulus didn’t particularly care why. His eyes stung and his hands shook. He wouldn’t let the tears flow. He couldn’t.

He found himself making his way towards the lake and soon he was under the same tree as before. Ungraciously, he stumbled over a root that he hadn’t seen. His eyes blurred from the tears that he refused to let fall. He caught himself on the tree, but the bark had scraped his palm. The crimson blood was a stark contrast against his pale skin.

Regulus held his hands close to his chest as he slid down the trunk. He felt so helpless. He wasn’t sure what was worse. The fact that he had just argued with Sirius, or the fact he felt so vulnerable.

Regulus bit down on his lip to stop a frustrated sob from escaping. Right when he finally thought he could catch a breath, he heard the tree rustle.

He let out a loud groan. “Tu ne peux pas t'en aller, Rosier?”
[Can’t you just go away, Rosier?”]

The blonde boy sat on a branch and gazed down at him. “To be fair, I was here first.” He sounded bored again. Regulus didn’t need to look up to know the blonde was staring him down. He didn’t have the energy to think of a response. The dark haired boy sat there, staring at the lake with heartbreak and hatred.

A moment of silence passed. Regulus always hated silence. This time, he didn’t have the strength to try to avoid it.

“There’s a spell that summons snakes to attack whomever you’d like. Just name the person and I’ll gladly cast it.” Rosier paused for a second. “I’m bored anyway.”

Regulus came out of his sad trance and stared up at the blonde boy, dumbfounded. Rosier shifted in his spot.

“I’m just saying, it’d be a better revenge than glaring at the poor lake. Surely whoever soured your mood this badly would deserve it.” He shrugged, as if sending snakes after someone was just another afternoon activity. Regulus paused with his mouth slightly agape for a moment. Okay, maybe it was a normal afternoon activity in the Rosier household.

Regulus stayed quiet for a few moments longer. Apart of him considered it, but he knew scratching up his brother wouldn’t help their relationship. “Ce n'est rien. My brother was just being a slug.”

Evan’s eyes widened. He genuinely didn’t think that Regulus had spoken an ounce of English. He assumed the boy only knew French. In an effort to not run him off, Evan tried his best not to react.

“Ah, the infamous Sirius Black.”

Regulus cringed. His brother really had made himself well known. He didn’t bother to chime in.

“I get it. Brothers can be absolute cockroaches. I have far too many to live peacefully.”

Regulus stared up at Rosier. The only other person who understood him had been Sirius. And clearly, they weren’t on understanding terms at the moment.

“You know, the snake hex is still a very good one to teach your brother a lesson.” Rosier hummed.

Regulus felt his lips twitch upwards. He hadn’t even realized that his face had relaxed.

“I think you just really want to hex someone.”

Rosier barked out a laugh. “Maybe.”

An odd silence fell over them. It was unlike the last one, this was had been tense free. It was a foreign thing to Regulus. Silence had always been associated with pain. They both watched the lake in a strange mutual understanding. Regulus had thought that Rosier would be just another spoiled pureblood who practically worshipped their way of life. Yet, everything about the blonde haired boy screamed something else. With their short interactions, he knew Rosier wouldn’t rat his grievances out to Walburga.

~

Evan would occasionally chatter, though it was nothing deep. He knew Regulus needed time to cool off from whatever had happened with his brother. The point of bringing up a random conversation here and there was more of to keep Regulus from drowning in his own thoughts. Evan knew how strong the tide of one’s mind could get.

Pandora’s words kept ringing throughout his mind. She had said Regulus Black was important. He didn’t understand why until he had looked into the boy’s grey eyes and found a storm brewing. Evan was familiar with trouble, he would be lying if he said he considered himself a saint. Although he didn’t have the mysterious gifts his sister has, he could sense the waves of trouble stirring in Regulus.

It didn’t make sense at first. As far as he could tell, Regulus had always sucked up to his family. He would stand behind Sirius, his head held high with pride. Yet, with a brain could tell how timid and submissive the boy was. It wasn’t until Evan dug deep through his memory that he had realized Regulus Black was always trouble. Nobody just lingered long enough to find out. As Evan turned over every stone in his memory of Regulus Black, he found himself quickly becoming curious about the boy. Everything he knew about the skinny boy contradicted itself.

When Walburga spent her time chastising Sirius for causing problems, she’d turn her back on Regulus. When Sirius was being shown off as the shiny jeweled heir, Walburga turned her back on Regulus. This gave the boy endless opportunities to wreak havoc. Nobody ever bothered to think that little, bootlicking Regulus was capable of causing much damage. He was just the spare after all.

* ~•~ *

The next day, Regulus sat next to Narcissa and the greasy haired boy for breakfast. He didn’t pay much attention to their conversation as his eyes found it’s way to the Gryffindor table. Sirius was nowhere to be seen. Regulus wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He wasn’t sure how he felt about a lot of things these days.

He wouldn’t lie and say he didn’t consider Sirius’ offer yesterday. But Regulus wasn’t wistful enough to truly believe that his plan would even be possible. It was common knowledge that one couldn’t just switch houses. As he allowed himself to think more and more about yesterday’s argument, he felt the stinging reality of Sirius’ words. Once again, Regulus wasn’t enough as himself.

It didn’t take long to find one Remus Lupin. The boy stood out to Regulus. Somehow he managed to capture his attention by doing absolutely nothing.

Maybe it was stalker-ish of him to watch Lupin eat his breakfast, but Regulus didn’t care. Every single thing about the boy was fascinating to him. He was content with staring at Remus Lupin all day long. He wasn’t sure why.

A few seconds later, a familiar blonde boy sat in front of Regulus, blocking his view of Lupin. He couldn’t understand why he felt so disgruntled about the fact that he couldn’t see the shaggy haired boy anymore.

“Bonjour.” Evan groggled out, rubbing his eyes as if he had barely had woken up. Regulus didn’t bother greeting him, his gaze was now entirely trained on the blonde haired girl that accompanied him.

“Hello, Regulus.” The girl’s voice was soft and airy.

She didn’t slur together any of the syllables in his name, making sure to pronounce it firmly. Many people tended to rush through his name. The girl did not. The way she pronounced it was as if she were taking a stroll through a garden. Her eyes sat half shut, as if she were in a constant trance. He didn’t bother asking how she knew his name.

With his brows furrowed, he nodded at the girl. “Hello..”

Snape, who was sitting across from Narcissa, who was sitting right next to Regulus, whipped his head towards him.

“You knew English this whole time?” The greasy haired boy said, bewildered. Narcissa didn’t turn to look at them, too busy chatting with Malfoy. Though, Regulus didn’t miss the smirk that danced on her lips.

Regulus glanced at Evan, noting the biggest eye roll he’s ever seen happen in front of him. Pandora seemed to have been in her own world.

“Non, vous êtes juste un idiot.” He said before taking a bite of his breakfast.

Snape sneered at him, turning back to Malfoy. Although he couldn’t understand French, he had enough common sense to catch onto the last word.

Regulus’ attention returned to the twins in front of him. He took in the blue robes that the girl wore. It was a stark difference from Evan’s green robes.

“Why exactly are you two sitting here?” He asked simply getting to the point.

“I’m a Slytherin, aren’t I? What’s so wrong about me sitting at my house table?” Evan responded lazily.

“Cut the crap, Rosier. I know you usually sit at the Ravenclaw table with your sister.”

Evan mumbled, “Stalking much?” Regulus ignored him.

The Rosier girl reached across the table for an orange slice. “I’m Pandora Rosier.”

Regulus nodded towards her once more, for some reason he couldn’t bring himself to make a snarky comment towards her. “That still doesn’t answer my question.”

Evan simply shrugged before passing his sister another orange slice. “Dora saw me this morning and decided she wanted to sit with you today.”

The blonde boy held out an orange slice towards Regulus. He shook his head.

“Though, I’m not sure why. I bet your wonderful charisma has people throwing themselves at your feet.” Evan teased before eating the slice.

Regulus understood that the teasing wasn’t malicious. It was different from the teasing he had endured these past few weeks. It was friendly.

“I had a dream about you Regulus Black.”

He turned towards Pandora, raising a confused eyebrow at her. He thought it was odd that he’d be in anyone’s dreams.

“Okay..?”

“You and I are meant to be friends.” She smiled. Regulus frowned.

“I think you’re mistaken. Perhaps you saw my brother. He’s usually the friendly one.” He waved her off. It was Evan’s turn to frown now. Regulus hadn’t even realized that he began searching the Gryffindor crowd for Sirius. In that moment, Regulus realized that his usual posse, along with Remus Lupin were now nowhere to be seen.

“No, it was you. I’m sure of it, it’s always been you.” She added ominously. Her trance like expression came back, Evan knew that she probably wouldn’t snap back to reality until after breakfast. There were days that her gift took over her mind, causing her conscious to be taken hostage by it. Though as she grew older, she began to get a better grip and understanding on it. Evan doesn’t think his worrying will ever subside.

Evan seemed as though he were about to say something, but a loud crash cut him off. Everybody’s heads snapped towards the sound. Pandora stayed in her trance.

“I better not hear you blabbering again, you slimy git!”

Evan immediately recognized that voice. It was none other than the boy he’d been watching since the day they left the train station. Barty Crouch Jr.

The crazed looking boy continued shouting at one of the sixth year Slytherins. The girl that sat next to him was none other than Dorcas Meadowes. Regulus watched the one sided shouting match intensely. Barty was thriving in the chaos, meanwhile the second year girl sat beside him with a cold hard glare aimed at the sixth year. It seemed like Barty was almost protecting her.

“Next time you say something like that again, I’ll twist your wand right up your arse!”

The boy was feral. Something about the way the boy moved in strange ticks intrigued Regulus. An unnerving shiver went down his spine as the boy shouted with a sickening grin on his face. No first year should be that insane.

Regulus swore he heard a dreamy sigh come from Evan. It took a considerable amount of self-restraint to not shoot an odd glance at the blonde.

The professors watched in shock as the boy shouted vulgar threats and insults at his fellow Slytherin. The moment professor Mcgonagall began making her way towards the scene, Dorcas began guiding Barty out of the hall. The girl had to practically drag him out so they wouldn’t get caught.

Evan’s eyes never left Barty.

“That was interesting.” Pandora hummed out. The blonde haired girl wasn’t even glancing in their direction, instead she was lazily watching at the wall behind Regulus.

* ~•~ *

For the next handful of days, Regulus showed up to breakfast, stared at Remus Lupin, — his stalking was once again interrupted by a certain pair of twins — he avoided Sirius like the plague, and he hid by the lake in his free time. Somehow, he always managed to run into Evan at the tree. Maybe the boy just had a tree fetish, Regulus wasn’t quite sure yet.

Their conversations were short. It never went deeper than anything casual. It were as if they both felt guarded, not truly trusting each other.

Evan mostly talked about his day or what annoying thing one of his brothers pulled. Regulus listened.

And when Evan complained about a certain Crouch boy who just so happened to be the most ‘idiotically intelligent person he’d ever met’, — (Evan’s words not his.) — Regulus listened as well. As it turns out, Evan and Crouch were roommates.

Regulus still avoided his roommates. He had no idea who they were. He made sure to leave the room before anyone else got up, the bed curtains were always drawn so he never got a glimpse of them even in their sleep. At night, Regulus made a point of getting back to the room before dinner ended so that he didn’t run into any of them.

Pandora would sometimes make appearances by the tree, but she mostly spent her time wandering the castle in an otherworldly trance. Regulus had asked why she behaved the way she did, to which Evan replied, “That’s just the way Pandora is.”

As the days passed the bullying never ceased. The same group of older Slytherins would always manage to find Regulus when he was alone and vulnerable . They would gang up on him, always making sure to disarm him before tormenting him. Leaving him completely defenseless. Regulus knows he’s scrawny for his age, his boney limbs were no match against the teenagers.

About a month into the school year, Regulus had gotten a notice that stated he was being moved up to an advanced potions class. In other words, a second year class. He allowed himself to feel some kind of pride in himself. This was an achievement that he worked for himself. It was something that he earned without his legacy or name.

Regulus waltzed into his new Potions class. Slughorn beamed at him excitedly. “Regulus Black, welcome!”

A particularly loud table had instantly gone quiet at the mention of Regulus’ name. He paid no attention towards them, instead keeping his mind focused on Slughorn.

“You can work with Mr. Crouch, Mr. Snape, and Miss. Vanity.” The man gestures towards a table full of Slytherins. Regulus unfortunately knew Snape. He recognized Barty from Evan’s never ending rants about the boy. The only one he didn’t know was Vanity. She’s a second year Slytherin. She might be on the Quidditch team, Regulus wasn’t sure.

The other Slytherins seemed to have been too focused on their cauldrons to acknowledge him so he opted to glance around the room. Only then did he realize that this was a Gryffindor-Slytherin class.

Regulus felt eyes on him, one glance at his fellow Slytherins told him it was definitely coming from a certain table full of Gryffindors.

As subtle as possible, Regulus turned his head towards the table, wondering who was being nosy. Immediately, he snapped his head back. Of course. The table just had to be Sirius and his posse.

Regulus suppressed a groan. He’d been successfully avoiding Sirius for a while now. He tried his best to not pick at his fingers, but the nerves had won this round.

Slughorn yammered on about a potion that Regulus knew like the back of his hand. He tuned the old man out for most of the lesson. Occasionally, he’d hear Crouch muttering random things to himself. Regulus wasn’t one to judge, but he one was to side eye.

The moment Slughorn had dismissed the class, Regulus bolted out of the room. He didn’t dare give Sirius the chance to corner him. He didn’t need to hear anymore about his plan to ‘save’ Regulus.