Regulus and Sirius were very different, despite the many similarities that neither seemed to notice.
Their differences only kept being shown with each passing day. This one was no different.
There was laughter and talking filling the great hall as everyone sat at breakfast that day, the hall was buzzing with noise.
Regulus had his head on the table trying to get in a few more minutes having not slept the previous night. though it was no good as the other students seemed full of energy at 8 in the morning.
Regulus was thinking to himself as the hall became silent, he picked himself up to see many eyes on him.
He then noticed his family owl, carrying a howler, it couldn’t be for Sirius as he had been disowned 2 years prior.
The owl made its way to Regulus before bursting open as if it had been confined for a while.
What came next was something no one was expecting,
“Regulus, mon petit prince,—“
She didn’t seem to be angry ? Everyone looked around confused, she called him her prince.
Hogwarts castle was no stranger to Walburgas howlers as Sirius had received his fair share during his 5 years at the school.
Regulus’ shock was evident on his face, all traces of fear almost gone.
He could hear the other students contemplating what this could mean.
“You truly are my pride, my heir, and my one and only son.”
Everyone looked towards the Gryffindor table, specifically to a boy with shoulder length black hair and those famous grey-blue black family eyes.
Sirius sat there not paying attention to what anyone around him was saying, he had his eyes on Regulus. Ever since he saw the family owl swoop in, holding that bloody howler.
Sirius, unlike the rest of their audience, knew exactly what was happening here. With Sirius, their mother had simply been cruel and tough, that was the only way to get through to him.
Regulus though, he was much softer at heart than anyone could imagine. For Regulus, these words of love and affirmation were the way to him.
Regulus, unlike Sirius, was thirsty for the love and affection of his parents. he loved every moment of it, all the sweet words, though he knew they were meaningless.
Something they have in common however, is they understand when something is a threat, and this, most definitely is.
Sirius could almost laugh at the situation, his brother, getting threatened in-front of the entire great hall. He knew Regulus could tell what was coming from the fear in his face, the only question he had was what he had done to warrant this.
Regulus, who was in his 6th year now, had never gotten a howler before, never. So this was definitely concerning to say the least.
“I am extremely disappointed in you Regulus. More so than that night, I assume you know what i’m talking about so I will not go into detail. You are expected at Lestrange Castle for the entirety of the summer break. Unfortunately I will not be able to see you, but i’m sure Bellatrix will keep you company.”
Walburgas sweet tone was gone as fast as it came, Her voice, cold enough to make many students shudder.
Regulus however, was seen packing up his stuff, hiding his face from view. Now everyone had known he’d disappointed his mother. Though the Howler was vague, everyone probably had a good idea what it was about.
“Don’t disappoint me again, mon étoile, I only want the best for you.”
And with that, the howler burst into flames, The hall was silent and never in his life had Regulus wished for the noise to return.