my brother
Regulus walked on the platform beside Sirius, trailing behind their parents. Sirius caught sight of someone inside the train and waved, smiling. Mother heard and flicked him on the wrist, reminding him that they are in the Noble House of Black. Stand tall. Back straight. Show no emotion. Stay calm. Do not show sadness, rage, fury, or anger. Do not smile. Do not frown. Hold your head up high. Do not, under any circumstances, make friends with any half-bloods, muggleborns, or mudbloods. We are in the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. Act like it. Mother's voice rang in his ear. This speech was repeated daily by Mother, to Sirius, usually followed by a cruel punishment. Sirius nodded, but Regulus knew by the glint in his eyes that as soon as Mother and Father were out of sight, he would break every single rule Mother had set. Sirius left, walking onto the train, and Regulus blinked back tears. What would he do without Sirius? He didn't know.
"Come here," Mother said, walking back to the barrier to leave. Regulus caught sight of Sirius waving discreetly from the window of the train, and he put his hand up slightly to indicate he'd seen him. Walburga called to Regulus, her voice ringing. Mother was not happy. He quickly caught up to her, trying to not look rushed. Once they left the platform, they went to the designated Apparition area. Regulus linked his arms with Mother to Side-Along, and Father Apparated alone. They arrived at Grimmauld promptly, Orion entering his office as soon as he arrived and Walburga going to the sitting room.
"Mistress, welcome back," Kreacher said, taking Regulus' coat. "Dinner will be ready at 5:30, Mistress. Your tea has been set in your bedroom." Regulus nods, smiling quickly and walking up the stairs to his room. He gets to the door, reading 'R.A.B.' on a large silver plaque. He walks in, sitting at his tea table. He sips his tea slowly, reading. Mother had ordered Kreacher not to give him any biscuits anymore during tea, claiming that he was eating too much and gaining too much weight for his figure skating. Kreacher always slipped a biscuit under the teacup, knowing Regulus was far too underweight for his own good.
Regulus had figure skating every day, from 6am to 10pm. He never got enough sleep and never had time to do anything else. His only day off was Thursdays, when Mother and Father went to meetings with the Dark Lord. He was always kept in his room on those days, in case the Lord called Regulus to the meeting. It happened once when he was four, but never again. Still, he was at lessons and was punished for coming in so late. That was the first time he felt real pain. The Dark Lord used the Cruciatus Curse, and his parents didn't do anything. Didn't frown, didn't cry, didn't feel bad, didn't try to stop him, didn't say anything after they were home, didn't sympathise, didn't help him feel better. He was only four years old. He was left trembling and cold for at least a week after that, but was still sent to skating, still held to their high standards. The only help he got was at night, in the dark. Sirius, hugging him, telling him it was okay. Kreacher, feeding him warm food without Mother or Father knowing, practically risking his life.
While Sirius was gone at school, Regulus had to take his parent's punishments alone, without any help. Usually it was just Walburga yelling. Regulus waited and waited until winter arrived and Sirius would come back for the break. He knew Sirius had done something, had been sent Howler after Howler. He didn't know why, though. Nobody told him anything. He didn't need to know anything. He was just a girl. Winter came, and Mother and Father had locked Regulus in the room for tying for first place at his figure skating competition instead of getting a clear first, once he had been brutally yelled at, of course. They had gone to pick up Sirius themselves, leaving Regulus alone. Soon, he heard the crack of Apparition, indicating that Sirius was home.