Doves Tale (Preface)
Regulus Arcturus Black was somewhat of a shadow; a spare to an ancient pureblood lineage, easily forgotten in a bright room but certainly still there, in fact feared by the right people, admired by like-minded men, and loved by people looking for an escape. Recently, however, he has grown to be more. Now, Regulus Arcturus Black, somewhat of a candle, an heir to an ancient pureblood lineage, easily forgotten in a bright room but definitely bright himself, feared by the burned, admired by people who lived in the dark, and loved by people looking for an escape. A fifteen year old wizard who proved himself far better than most his age.
Regulus would never truly forgive his brother for leaving. Becoming the heir was something he dreamt of as a young child, but now he was crippling with pressure and decisions he never thought he'd have to make. Being the heir of Black was cruel and unforgiving. It almost made Regulus understand why Sirius left, but it did not make Regulus understand why Sirius said all those things. Sirius knew Regulus had it just as bad as he did. The only thing that differed between the two was that Regulus tried all too hard to rise to their parents' expectations. Regulus knew that was the only way to gain some sort of respect or at least mercy. Sirius was reckless, defying their parents in every way possible. It was no wonder they ended up here. Sirius is a runaway, and Regulus is forced to be alone.
12 Grimmauld Place, although its halls were full of memories that dated back further than Regulus could explain, it was never truly a home. Walking through it, Regulus could explain in complete accurate detail every part of his life that happened there. He could explain every rare but sweet moment he and his brother had stolen in spite of their parents. He could explain every secret whispered and every secret kept too. He could explain every hurtful argument their broken family had. He could explain every blood and tear dropped and every horrifying scream. It felt more than void. Every moment leading up to now felt that way. His life story was nothing more than that of a caged dove. He knew that he would grow up to be nothing more than a pawn in a sick game, but why had he been surprised when it happened?
Family dinner was sooner than later, and they were expecting guests, which meant Regulus had to be perfect. He had to be the face of the Black family, the prince he supposed. He loved playing Prince and Princess as a child. Why should this be any different? His hair slicked back, his robes fitted to exactly his figure, a broach that bore the same meaning as his last name. It suited Regulus Black's character, but that does not mean it was Regulus. Regulus was somehow more refined deep down.
As Regulus stepped into the dining hall, he could feel his mother's eyes digging deep into him. He sat quietly and politely. Regulus was beginning to feel this dinner was more important than he had originally expected. Their guests were due to arrive any minute now, and dinner was surely on the way as well. Regulus would hate to see what would happen if the house elves were late to bring food to the table.
The room was slowly filled with people, and as everyone arrived, Regulus felt this dinner to be a bit more personal. His grandparents first, and each of his aunts and uncles next with his cousins Bellatrix and Narcisa. If Regulus and Sirius were doves, Bellatrix and Narcisa could only be compared to dancing swans. Bellatrix's feathers were far darker black in color than Narcisa's, though. She had always been an excellent example of the Black family values. This was a family matter, and Regulus felt he had been ill-informed now that he knew the guest list. Small talk made the room buzz with sound, but Regulus remained silent. He did nothing more than blandly pick at his food until the room was hushed by his father, Orion Black, hitting his glass with a small fork.
“Welcome to dinner, family alike. We are pleased to have you here, and I am even more pleased to give you this toast before we feast. To our lovely son, Regulus Black,” Regulus almost flinched at the sound of his name, his name dedicated to a toast at that. “Our newborn heir. Our pride. I'm sure you are no stranger to the knowledge of just how bright of a wizard he is becoming. You have finally grown, my boy, and as such, of course, I would like to announce that at this time the following year our boy will be joining us in our unwavering support for the dark lord and finally will gain the dark mark.”
The table burst in joy, and congrats, but Regulus couldn't be more offended. He should have expected this. He knew he never had a choice, but he did not expect to be completely ignorant to judgment.
“So, to my son. My son, who will finally follow in my footsteps. Regulus Arcturus Black!”
As Regulus’ father finished, everyone lifted their glasses in honor of the news and moved onto their food. This was the only form of congratulations Regulus had ever received, and it was for something he felt was completely meaningless. Regulus’ cousin, Bellatrix, gave him a look that sent shivers down his spine. He genuinely could not believe that he was related to these people and to an unnatural amount at that. Being in this family felt more like a job or a chore than being in a family should feel. This was all Regulus could ever live up to. This was it? He was going to take over his family name only to be bossed around by a self-proclaimed lord whose hands were dirtier than any wizard to date. Regulus resented even the thought.
He was told this was like a prince in the process of becoming a king, but in reality, it is more like a dove being let out of its cage after its wings had been clipped.