Chapter 3
The night of the ball arrives far too quickly for Regulus’ liking. Before he knows it, October 31st has arrived and he finds himself standing in Grimauld Places’ drawing room with his parents, all dressed in the finest dress robes one can buy. Regulus himself is sporting a set of elegant dress robes in a deep green with silver detailing on the hem. As his parents prepare them to travel by floo to the Lestrange’s estate, he finds himself trying very hard not to tremble with fear and anticipation. Sirius wouldn’t be there. Which was fine, it was definitely fine. He could totally navigate his way around his parents’ social circle without his older brothers’ assistance. Nothing to worry about!
“Regulus,” His mother calls to him from beside the floo, beckoning for him to come closer. “We must leave now, we do not want to be late.” Regulus makes his way over to his parents and takes the offered handful of floo power, being careful not to spill any on himself. His Father departs first, calling out the name of the Lestranges estate and disappearing into the flames.
Regulus steps into the fireplace after his father, takes a steadying breath, and tosses the handful of floo powder down at his feet, calling out the same address as his father. He closes his eyes and clenches his teeth around the uncomfortable pull at his stomach as he passes through the floo network before landing in the fireplace at the Lestrange’s. He quickly brushes any stray floo powder from his robes and exits the fireplace just before his mother appears.
As his parents get themselves in order, Regulus gives himself a moment to take a look at their surroundings. They were in a large entrance hall with dark floral wallpaper and elegant herringbone hardwood floors. It was rather reminiscent of the drawing room at Grimauld Place, aside from the lavish decorations littered around the room. There was an ornate crystal chandelier dangling over the centre of the room and it seemed as if every single surface was covered with more and more expensive decorations. Solid oak tables and sideboards with Vases, fine china, crystal tumblers; intricate paintings artfully hung on every wall. Regulus was amazed by how a family with a much smaller fortune than theirs could manage to make every inch of this room look more opulent than the last.
“Quit staring, darling. We don't want them to think you grew up poor,” Walburga hisses, startling Regulus out of his stupor.
“Oui, Méré. Désolé,” Regulus murmurs as he follows his parents through the entry hall, quickly being whisked away to what he assumes will be the formal sitting room.
His guess is correct. Regulus soon finds himself being made to stand behind his parents as they sit on a luxurious couch with silk detailing. He clasps his hands behind his back, afraid that touching the fabric would somehow sully it.
The next hour consists of Regulus being forced to listen to and occasionally partake in boring discussions on politics and the state of the wizarding world. After an hour and a half, Regulus isn't sure how much more he can take. If he has to listen to someone else yammer on about the cost of dragonhide upholstery compared to what it was ten years ago, he might just scream.
Thankfully, Regulus is saved by the dinner bell.
The party slowly makes its way into the formal dining and Regulus finds himself sat between two rather old witches who seem rather intent on distracting him from trying to remember which spoon goes with what by asking him about his studies. His studies of all things. Why in Merlin's name would they ever want to know that- hadn't they studied the same things when they were his age?
Eventually, the first course is brought out and the sound of people talking slowly peter's to a quiet murmur, overtaken by the sound of cutlery on china. Slowly the fear the Regulus had been feeling since they flooed into the estate began to melt away into bordom. If Gala's were always this boring, then he didn't think he had anything to worry about.
He could definitely do this without Sirius.
Just as the second course is being served, Regulus hears a commotion down at the other end of the grand table. Craning his neck, Regulus spots what appears to be a boy about his age being firmly told off by what must be his father. The boy is lanky and pale with auburn hair that falls into his eyes despite clearly being gelled and combed earlier. His skin is dotted with freckles and he has a wild smirk on his face, contrary to the red, angry face of his father who is practically spitting at him as he scolds his child. Regulus wonders what the boy could have been doing to deserve such a dressing down in such a public setting.
Almost as if he could tell Regulus was looking at him, the boy's gaze flicks up to his own and his smirk grows impossibly wider. With a wink, the boy turns back to his father and quietly murmurs something to him which seems to placate the man for the time being.
“That Crouch boy is nothing but trouble,” says the lady to Regulus’ left. Her face is pinched and she shakes her head disapprovingly as she speaks. Her light brown hair is set in artful curls that frame her face, and she is wearing a dark blue gown that compliments her olive skin beautifully.
“Oh, tut,” the lady to his right says. “His father should be more ashamed of himself. You'd think a politician would be better at reigning in his emotions at the dinner table.” Her hair is stacked on top of her head in intricate braids that are tucked into a head wrap that matches her gown, both of them a deep gold with a swirling purple and green pattern that makes her deep umber skin practically glow.
“You said you are going to Hogwarts next year dear, correct?” The witch to Regulus’ right asks.
“Yes, ma'am. Next September.” Regulus tells her as he returns to his forgotten meal.
“Well then I will just have to introduce you to my niece and nephew,” she tells him with a smile as she too returns to the food in front of her. “The two of them will be starting next year and I'm afraid they don't have many friends their age. The three of you and the young Crouch boy will simply have to befriend each other.”
Regulus stares at her with wide eyes, once again forgetting about the food in front of him. She wants him to… interact with children? He doesn't know how to act around children his age!
“Oh don't look at me like that, my dear. Children need to be friends with other children. All of you blasted ‘noble’ pure-blooded kids don't know how to act your age,” the witch says with a sniff.
“She's right, young man,” the witch to his left says, drawing his attention back to her. “It's especially important to have friendships before you start Hogwarts. Takes the pressure off having to meet new people.” She explains with a gentle smile.
‘These witches are awfully concerned about my schooling,’ Regulus thinks. They must not know who he is. If they did, they would no doubt know he has received a far better education than most of the grown witches and wizards in the room.
But perhaps they were onto something. Regulus didn't necessarily need to make friends, but he did need to have connections. His parents were always saying that a man can never have too many connections. And if he started now, then he would have a head start on many of the other Slytherins in his year… yes, he could probably do with meeting some kids his age.
“I would love to meet your niece and nephew,” Regulus says, offering the witch on his right a small smile.
“Well, that’s settled then,” She replies. “The name is Elenore Rosier, by the way.” She tells Regulus.
“Lovely to meet you, Madame Rosier. I’m-”
“Regulus Black, yes we are all well aware of who you are. And no need to bother with that ‘Madame’ nonsense. Just Elenore is fine.” She gently slaps Regulus on the arm as she says this.
“Your family has rather unmistakable looks,” The witch to Regulus’ left tells him. “And that one there is related to you, although rather distantly if I recall,” She explains.
“I apologize, ma’am, but it seems I didn’t catch your name earlier either,” Regulus chooses to brush over her explanation. He is fairly certain all of the pure-blooded families are related in some way. He had spent long enough looking at the family tree in their house that he had noticed how many of the lines in the family trees crossed over one another.
“No need to apologize, child. I am Celeste Greengrass, and please just call me Celeste. Neither Elenore nor I much care for the formalities that come with events like this,” The older witch - Celeste - tells Regulus. Regulus can’t help the small smile that creeps up onto his face. It appears he was actually rather lucky being seated between Elenore and Celeste. He had been worried he would be sat with a bunch of old curmudgeons who would spend the entire evening blathering on about politics and blood purity. He could withstand boring discussions about school so long as it meant he could avoid more unfavourable companions.
The rest of the dinner portion of the ball goes rather smoothly with Regulus easily keeping up conversation with Elenore and Celeste. Before he knows it, the desert plates have been magically cleared and everyone is rising from the table. Regulus cranes his neck around, trying to find either of his parents with no success. It’s impossible to see over the much taller heads of the adults around him.
“Come with us dear, we will make sure you aren’t trampled,” Elenore whispers to Regulus, gently grasping him by the elbow and steering him towards a large set of doors with Celeste following close behind.
“Have you ever been to a Ball?” Celeste asks as they enter through the large doors and step into a grand ballroom.
“Of course,” Regulus answers as he gazes around in wonder. He thought the other rooms were extravagant, but they were nothing compared to the ballroom. There were several large chandeliers dangling over the sparkling, dark marble floors. Charmed candles floated above the heads of the witches and wizards in the room, making their shadows flicker about as if they were already dancing. A string quartet with no musicians floated in one corner, already playing a quiet tune that filled the air with a warm buzz. Beautifully dressed witches and wizards flitted about the room, most likely seeking dance partners, causing the light to bounce off the fine silk and beading that adorned their dress robes and gowns. Regulus was awe-struck.
“I take it you’ve at least been taught how to waltz?” Elenore asks with a playful quirk of her eyebrow. Regulus scoffs at her, matching her playful grin with a cocky smirk.
“Please, I could probably waltz better than half the witches and wizards in this room,” He rebuts with a haughty sniff which makes both Elenore and Celeste throw back their heads with laughter.
“Oh, we don’t doubt you, young man. Let’s not put it to the test just yet, you have friends to make!” Elenore declares with a clap of her hands. Before Regulus can protest or procrastinate, both she and Celeste gently take him by his arms and guide him to a corner on the other side of the room, moving through the crowd of people with ease. They come to a stop beside a plant with large fronds that seem to be perfectly hiding two small, giggling forms.
“Pandora, Evan, please come meet your new friend, Regulus,” Elenore says in a commanding voice. Very slowly, two small faces peak out from behind the plant and gaze at Regulus with matching, large blue eyes. Regulus thinks they look quite owl-like with the way they are blinking at him.
The girl is quite a small thing, looking somewhat wraith-like - if a child can even be described as that. Her smooth Sepia skin is littered with freckles and her large light blue eyes are framed with long, blonde eyelashes. Her platinum blonde hair is intricately woven into a tight bun that sits on top of her head. She wears a soft pink gown adorned with butterflies that look as though they are ready to take flight. ‘Must be some sort of charm work,’ Regulus thinks as one of the butterfly's wings flaps gently.
The boy is a hair taller than the girl and looks almost identical to her, aside from the hair and the clothes. His hair is the same platinum blonde shade, but it is tightly braided against his head and he is wearing a set of pastel blue dress robes that almost perfectly match the colour of his eyes.
“Hello, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Regulus says, extending a hand to the boy who he assumes must be Evan.
Rather than take his hand, Evan stares at it for a moment, looks back at Pandora, back to Regulus’ hand, and then dissolves into giggles. Regulus huffs, having been quite offended by his demonstration. He had been tutored on how to properly introduce himself ever since he could walk, and this boy had the gal to laugh at him.
“Evan, manners! ” Elenore scolds, reaching out to lightly smack Evan in the back of the head, causing the boy to yelp and glare at his aunt, finally putting an end to his giggling. Really, giggling! Regulus can’t remember the last time he honest-to-god giggled.
“It is lovely to meet you, Regulus,” A small voice says from beside Evan. Regulus looks away from the boy and towards the young girl standing next to him, who he assumes is Pandora. She is smiling softly at him and extending her hand to him. Regulus returns her smile and reaches out to shake her hand. “I apologize for my brother’s behaviour, it seems he forgot his manners at home,” She says with a giggle.
“Hey!” Evan exclaims, an affronted expression on his face. “I have manners, I just don’t talk like an 80-year-old man,” He huffs, crossing his arms and glowering at the ground.
“Apologies, would you rather I behave like a toddler?” Regulus asks with a pointed look at Evan’s stance. Evan has the decency to look a little ashamed at this, uncrossing his arms and instead tucking them into his pocket and looking at Regulus as if he is trying to analyze him.
After a moment of silence, Evan smiles and extends his hand, “Pleasure to meet you, Regulus,” He smiles kindly at Regulus who takes his hand and shakes it firmly.
“Well isn’t that just sweet,” A voice drawls from the side. Jumping, Regulus looks to his left and spots the boy from dinner. Crouch. “That type of behaviour is sure to make our parents very proud,” He sneers, looking at Evan and Regulus’ still clasped hands disapprovingly.
“Ah, you must be Barty,” Evan says, releasing Regulus’ hand and extending it to the other boy, Barty. Rather than shake his hand, Barty simply stares at Evan’s extended hand until he drops it to his side.
“Yes, Bartemius Crouch Junior,” The lanky boy says with a put-upon lilt, bowing dramatically. “At your service,” He finishes, standing back up to his full height.
“Er, right. Lovely to meet you,” Evan replies, looking at Barty uneasily. The four children stand in a haphazard circle, all staring at each other warily. Right, Regulus did the whole introduction thing and it seemed to have gone as smoothly as could be expected. Now what? He couldn’t recall ever being tutored in how to interact with children.
“Well!” Celeste exclaims, clapping her hands and making all the kids jump. “I’d say this has gone quite swimmingly. I believe Elenore and I have done all we can do,” Elenore nods from beside her, gazing at the children with a glint in her eye.
“Yes, I believe our meddling has come to an end,” Elenore chuckled. “Celeste and I must be off, I am afraid we have both already promised a dance or two to a few men and we mustn’t keep them waiting much longer.” She sends one last smile to the children before linking arms with Celeste and setting off into the crowd.
The children all look back at each other with uncertain looks on their faces, aside from Barty who is looking at them as if they are his prey, and he their predator.
With a small cough, Evan looks at Regulus apologetically. “Sorry mate, my Aunt tends to get rather… insistent at these events. She’s always trying to make friends for Pan and me,” He says with a chuckle.
“No worries, it’s a pleasure really. I was afraid I would be stuck talking with dusty old politicians all evening,” Regulus placates with a tight smile.
“ Ooohhh, I know all about dusty old politicians!” Barty butts in with a wide smile. “My father is always having them around and insists on parading me about the house in front of them,” He laughs.
“That sounds rather dreadful,” Pandora sympathizes. “It must get rather dull after some time.”
“Pandora, my friend, you have no idea,” Barty moans as he dramatically throws his hand against his head, making Pandora and Evan chuckle.
Soon enough, the four of them have made their way to the buffet table and Regulus is able to spend some time getting to know Pandora, while Barty and Evan gorge themselves on appetizers. He learns that she is a year younger than him, which makes her and Evan less than a year apart in age. She enjoys reading, gardening, and making Evan’s life a living hell. And she’s kind, which Regulus is not used to, especially amongst this particular crowd. His expectations were being turned on their head tonight, it seemed.
Pandora is just in the middle of telling Regulus about the time that she managed to convince the house elves to charm Evan’s clothes to be two sizes too large overnight so that he thought he had shrunk in his sleep. Regulus is midst laugh when Barty and Evan come storming over to them with matching mischievous looks in their eyes. ‘ This can’t be good’ , Regulus thinks, He is very familiar with that look thanks to his brother.
“Evan, no. Not while we’re at a ball,” Pandora scolds, acting as if she has read his mind. And judging by the way that Evan slouches and begins pouting, Regulus thinks she might have done just that.
“Party pooper!” Barty points an accusatory finger at Pandora. “We were just going to have a bit of fun,” He whines.
“Sure, by terrorizing the guests at the ball. The ball, may I remind you, that all of our parents are attending.” Pandora crosses her arms and levels Barty and Evan with a glare that could nearly rival Regulus’ own mothers. He decides then and there that he will do everything in his power not to get on Pandora’s bad side, ever.
“Ugh,” Evan groans, flopping against his sister. “You’re no fun!”
“Evan, if you do anything to make Mother and Father upset, I will not hesitate to throw you under the bus.” Pandora threatens. Evan gulps and straightens up, looking at his little sister with a modest level of fear in his eyes.
“You got it, Pan,” He smiles, leaning against the wall beside her and Regulus. “Go on without me, Barty. I fear I’ve been preemptively grounded,” The boy nods at Barty who whoops and runs off into the crowd with a devilish glint in his eyes.
*****
Hours later, well past midnight, Regulus makes his way back to the large entry hall with his parents. They had corralled him about halfway through the night to make their rounds, schmoozing all of the other guests. Luckily, they had released Regulus back to his friends with suspiciously proud looks on their faces.
Before leaving Regulus with his friends, they had decided to shock Regulus by inviting all three of his new friends over for tea the following week. Regulus didn’t think that Grimauld Place had ever hosted a tea party exclusively for children. Sirius wasn’t going to believe this.
Having set plans to have all of Regulus’ friends meet at Grimauld place at 3:00 pm the following Friday, their family sets to depart the Lestrange’s estate. As they are standing in queue for the floo, Regulus’ mother turns to him and smiles at him with a pleased look in her eyes.
“Regulus, my dear, you did very well tonight,” She compliments him, raising a hand to smooth down his hair. “I am quite pleased that you managed to befriend such fitting young witches and wizards,”
“Yes, Son. All from quite successful families. That Bartemious Junior seems a little wild, but his father is looking at a very promising future at the ministry,” His father says with a smile of his own. Regulus is beginning to grow suspicious of how kind his parents are being. He half expected them to berate him for spending time with Barty who had spent half the night trying to nick firewhisky and giggle juice off passing trays and tripping unsuspecting dancing couples.
“Thank you Maman, Papa,” Regulus smiles at both of them politely, stepping with them towards the floo.
“You are expected to continue developing strong relations with children that match or level of… social standing,” Walburga continues, reaching down now to straighten out Regulus’ lapels. “So long as they aren’t blood traitors, like those disgusting Potter’s ,” She practically spits out the name. Regulus nods along with his mother, used to hearing her say such things about the pure-blood families that are not in the sacred twenty-eight. “
“Of course, Maman. I would never sully our family name like that,” Regulus allowed his mother to keep preening him, doing his best to stay still as she finished picking invisible lint off his shoulders.
“That’s my boy,” She smiles and pats his cheek, before stepping away and towards the waiting floo. As soon as his parents’ backs are turned to him, Regulus stealthily lets out the breath that he has been holding all night.