Only The Stars Know

Coincidences are genuinely life's way of saying fuck you. What Regulus did to deserve being locked in a staring (glaring) contest with his cousin is beyond him. She is genuinely a terrifying woman, and he really just wants to leave.

"Are you planning to keep staring at me until I leave, or will you finally explain where you've been for the past six years?" Her voice, laced with anger and hurt, cuts through the air.

"I've been traveling." He quietly shrugs. The cold fury on Narcissa's face makes him immediately regret it. "I'm sorry, alright. I had some unforeseen situations come up that needed my attention."

"And these unforeseen situations, which I'm assuming have something to do with the child hiding behind you, did not allow even one letter to be sent just to let me know you're alive." Her tone is even as she says this, seemingly having a regular conversation, but the fire in her eyes and the furrow in her brow draw a different picture. Ever the perfect pureblood heiress, Regulus has always and still admires her for it.

He feels a tug on his cloak, looks down, and meets a pair of big, questioning eyes staring back up at him.

He opens his mouth to answer, but Narcissa beats him to it, "How rude of us?" Taking a step closer to them, she nods slowly," I'm Narcissa Malfoy, Regulus' cousin, and this-"the shadow appears from behind her, full of almost as much grace as her,"-Is my son Draco." The boy does the same slow head nod. His pale hair glows under all the lights. And Regulus can't help but notice how prominent his Black family features are.

Mother would have loved him, he thinks to himself. He even has the trademark grey-blue eyes; he definitely looks more Black than Malfoy.

Draco sticks his hand out towards Harry. "No need to hide anymore." Harry shuffles behind Regulus. "It's nice to meet you. What's your name?"

Harry's small hand slowly moves and accepts Draco's.

"I'm Harry. It's nice to meet you as well.” Harry shyly smiles as he meets the other boy's gaze.

It’s then that Regulus thinks, not for the first time, that Harry really needs to find friends his own age, ones he doesn't have to hide around and ones he can be fully himself with. Regulus looks back up and meets Narcissa's gaze, and his heart stops a little. There's astonishment written all across her face for anyone to see, along with a bit of fear fighting with the surprise in her eyes.

Her voice comes out low and quiet, "Harry?"

The boy in question, seemingly recovered from his moment of social awkwardness, happily answers for them, "Yes. Harry Potter."

Both the blonde's eyes grow what seems impossibly wide.

"The Harry Potter?" Draco questions quietly.

Harry has the good sense to look a little less certain now.

"Yeah, I thought since you're Reggie's family, it would be okay if I.." his voice trails off, wary. 

Regulus moves quickly. Placing his hand on Harry's head, assuring him. The fear Harry probably senses in Narcissa is not caused by him, but more of a result of him being the confirmation of many horrible things in her life, and she probably wishes she could keep it under the rug.

"That's so cool." Draco's voice breaks through the stillness. Regulus’ and Narcissa’s eyebrows go up. 

"It is?" Harry sputters.

"Of course.” He states. Like it’s obvious. “For years, I have been a little worried you weren't even real. I mean, no one knew where you were. Even though they kept saying over and over again that you were safe and under the protection of family, it was all very suspicious. But I had a feeling that something must have happened. I mean, there’s no way that powerful of wizard would just disappear; I mean, if you think about it, you must be super powerful, truly. Also you have to be a dark wizard, too, I’m sure of it. I mean-” 

“Draco.” His mother cuts him off. “I think that’s enough, darling. You don’t want to overwhelm the poor boy.” 

His head falls slightly, “Sorry Mother and sorry, Harry, um, I mean Potter, I-” 

“Don’t be.” Harry grabs Draco’s hand. Regulus’ brow goes up immeasurably higher. “It’s kinda nice that you know so much. Honestly you’ve thought about it more than me. I try not to think about it at all, really.” 

Regulus’ eyes soften. He told Harry what happened just recently, not the whole story of course. But what he needed to know to introduce him to everything today. He watches as Draco looks curiously at Harry, but something is missing, something he suspected might have been there. Pity. However, not even the slightest hint of it showed in the boy's eyes. 

“But I can tell you one thing,” Harry leans in a little closer to Draco. “I am a dark wizard. And Mr. Gorlac says I’m a very powerful one, actually.” Regulus shoots Harry a look. They haven’t talked about what happened during the ritual, but if the goblins said that, he feels that the next few years will be very interesting and fun, especially now since his magic is no longer being drained. There had been a time when Regulus worried why Harry was showing no sign of magic at all, but as he had suspected, the more they came back to the world, the more answers it would have for them. 

“Well, I'm also a powerful dark wizard.” Draco's chin moves incrementally higher. 

“Really?!” 

“Both my mother and father have told me so.” Draco lowers his voice, “Mother even said I might have secret powers.” 

“Secret powers?! Like what?” 

“Shhhh. No one can know. Truthfully, I don’t know why I just told you.” Regulus and Narcissa both huff in amusement. 

“Maybe I look very trusting.” 

“What you look like is a little messy.” Harry’s draw drops. 

“W-w-what?” 

“Your hair is very messy. I can’t believe Uncle Regulus allowed you to go out with it like that.” 

Harry pouts, crosses his arms and subsequently drops Draco’s hand. "It’s not my fault. Not even Reggie can make it look better.” 

“Now, Draco, let’s not tease Harry. It’s not his fault. Regulus really is the one who should make sure he looks a certain way, especially if they’ve come here to claim Harry’s heirships.” 

It was Regulus’ turn to gape. 

“How on earth did you-” 

“Oh, please, Reg, it’s not that difficult to conclude. Besides coming from the fact that you have hidden both him and yourself for years, it would take something very important for you to come back, as I’m sure you much preferred being hidden away from everything, yes?” 

Damn her. She always has to be right about everything. Always has and probably always will be. 

“I thought it was time for Harry and I to return to society and do our duties.” 

“Does that mean I’m speaking to the new Lord Black, dear cousin?” 

Regulus gulps. He supposes that is what it means. It's only been a few hours since he took up the titles, but it still doesn’t feel real. He was never supposed to inherit the title, not until Sirius ran away. Even then, Regulus still hoped he would return and take up the sword so Regulus did not have to. 

The heir and the spare. 

That’s what people at school used to call them, even when Sirius’ claim to it was teetering due to his inability to behave, be placed in the correct house, or leave James Potter alone. But he guesses that's not really fair to say. Neither the heir nor the spare had ever been able to stay away from James Potter. 

“Yes, I suppose I am. As well as proxy Lord of the Houses of Potter and Peverell.” 

“Well then. Lucius will be most intrigued by this news. Maybe Wizengamot meetings might finally become interesting with you there.” 

“I don’t see why they would.” She can't know what he plans to do—not yet, especially not regarding Sirius. The plan isn’t fully set, and letting Lucius know is too much of a gamble. 

“Of course. You’ve never been one to cause trouble.” The sarcasm drips from her words. Honestly, it's a little insulting. “Anyway, Regulus, I know you must have a lot to do, but I must insist that you send me a letter and ask Draco and me for tea. I will not allow you to slink back into the shadows. Besides, despite all the tortuous hours and time your mother spent beating the good and proper etiquette into you, it seems you have not shared much of it with young Mr. Potter here. I’m sure there is much I can help teach him if it is truly his goal to welcome his position in society.” 

The high and mighty tone returns to her voice. He shakes his head softly. She really hasn't changed at all.  

“Very well. I promise to write. Harry and I will get our new home set up, and I will invite you. Seeing as my teaching lacks so much, your presence will be greatly appreciated. Along with your presence. Having you back in my life might possibly be the exactly what I need.” 

Narcissa’s gaze softens, and one of her rare smiles appears, one Regulus assumes is probably saved for her son. 

“I missed you too, Regulus.” 

She says it in a whisper. Regulus almost misses it. 

“Well, it’s better. Harry and I go home; we have much to pack.” Harry’s smile grows, and excitement fills his eyes. “I will owl you, cousin. And Draco, it has been very nice meeting you. I hope to get to know you better soon.” They both nod to one another. 

“Yes, I would like that.” He turns to Harry, “It has been nice meeting you, Heir Potter. I’m sure we will become very close friends.” He bows, hands out to his side, palms up, head bowed at just the right angle—the picture of heirship perfection. Regulus knows he must have practiced that since he was a newborn. 

Stumbling, Harry attempts to reciprocate the movement. Yeah, they still have a lot of work to do. He recovers despite Draco’s amusement, which very evidently flits across his face. 

“I would like that very much. There’s a lot I could learn from you, Heir Malfoy. And Lady Malfoy, it has been an honor to meet you.” 

“You as well, Harry Potter.” 

“Alright, Harry.” Regulus grabs his shoulders and moves them towards the door. Harry turns and waves goodbye to Draco, who has moved back to stand next to his mother, who stares after them inquisitively. Oh, what he would give to know what she thinks sometimes.

He watches as people stare; their eyes shoot questioning glances, full of suspicion and intrigue. They have to ignore them. They’re almost home, and then they can breathe fully for a little at least. They definitely need to take a long nap after this before they do anything. He has much to consider, many plans to change, and add pieces. His first Wizengamot meeting will be in two weeks, and he must be ready. For his sake, Harry’s sake, and Sirius’. 

He is so far deep in his thoughts as they approach the large doors that he doesn’t notice the noise until Harry reaches for the door. The knob turns, the flashes start, and the yelling deafens. 

Harry throws his hand over his eyes. The lights hurt, and there are so many of them. Gringotts is covered in people, some trying to take a look, but some are flashing pictures and screaming at him. 

“Harry Potter over here!” 

“Harry Potter, where have you been?” 

“Why have you returned now?” 

“Do you know that man you’re with is from a known death eater family?” 

“Welcome back, Mr. Potter. Would you smile for our camera?” 

“Hey! Show us the scar kid!” 

“Did Regulus Black kidnap you?” 

“Where’s Dumbledore?” 

“Tell us what happened that night?” 

“What do you remember?” 

He can feel his breathing become ragged. He doesn’t know. He doesn’t know what’s happening. He doesn’t like it. He wants to go home.

Please. Please stop. Please. 

Tears start coming down his face. He can’t do this. It’s too much. 

Reggie. Reggie. Reggie. 

Arms move around him and pick him up. Harry can feel them pick up speed. The crowds around them move in closer than they dared before. The yelling and the lights only grow. The arms around him squeeze tighter around his body. His head is being held tightly. 

He needs Reggie’s voice. He needs to hear it. Everything is too loud, too much. His heart feels like it’s beating out of his chest. His hands grip onto something so tightly he feels like tearing something apart. 

“Harry, my love.” Reggie? 

“Darling, close your eyes. It’s all going to be okay. We’re almost there.” 

Reggie. 

Harry listens and closes his eyes, blocking out the world, trying to tear into him. He wriggles closer into Reggie’s neck. He is safe. He’s with Reggie. The safest place on earth for him. 

He hears Reggie fumble with something and curse. He can still hear the people—too many of them, and they're all too close. They're invading his space, his life. He wants them all to just go away, to disappear. 

“-you must be super powerful, truly.” 

“I am a dark wizard.” 

He wants to be strong. So, none of this happens again. So that one day, when they come, he will make them disappear. All of them.