Feel the rumors follow you
A few weeks later, Monty found Regulus in the Potter’s library, where he’d spent most of his time since he arrived.
“Regulus?”
Regulus looked up from his book to find Monty standing in the doorway. “Yes?”
“When you come to an end point, I’d like to show you something.” Monty smiled softly.
“I can pause now.” Regulus nodded as he fastened his bookmark into place and set the book down on the small table beside the chair.
Monty gave him an even softer look, one Regulus thought, might be something akin to familial love, but he didn’t have the energy to dwell on it.
Regulus followed Monty mindlessly, stuck in his head as he thought about things he’d rather not. But the thoughts wouldn’t stop invading his mind. It was frustrating but he had resigned himself long ago, to try to ignore it. Ignore the feelings of dysphoria. Ignore his attraction to a certain Gryffindor. It was hard, but the Potter’s made it just a bit easier.
“Here we are.” Monty announced as he opened a door on the third floor. As the wood gave way, Regulus could see what it was. The family tapestry room.
“Oh.” Regulus said simply.
“You know, Sirius was a surprise addition before he came to live with us. In fact, him and Remus appeared the very day the three of them met.” Monty smiled fondly. “I don’t make it up here as often as I’d like, with how long I spend in the basement doing potion work.”
Regulus stayed silent, obedient. He stood in the doorway as Monty moved about the room, looking at their vast history.
“Oh, there I go, being all sentimental again. Effie says I do that often.” The man chuckled. “Come over here, come look at our newest addition.”
Regulus knew it was a possibility that once everything settled, he could end up on the Potter family tapestry. Sirius had been so excited for the possibility of it. Regulus dreaded the very thought. Another tapestry to display him as her.
No matter, he still walked to Monty, eyes never straying from the man’s face, prolonging the inevitable.
Monty looked at him with a large grin as he came close. Their eyes met and Monty could see the pain behind the silver rings.
“May I?” Monty asked as he raised his arm, offering a side hug.
Effie was quite proud of how well Monty was with asking to make physical contact with Regulus, ensuring the boy was comfortable with the touch.
Regulus nodded stiffly but allowed himself to slot into Monty’s side and face the wall. Monty’s arm was steady, grounding across Regulus’ shoulders, his hand grasping Regulus’ left shoulder.
He quickly found Monty and Effie’s names. Beneath them was James, Sirius, Remus and-
“Is that-?” Regulus gasped as his hand came up to cover his mouth.
Monty’s arm fell from his shoulder, down to hug his waist, from moral to physical support as Regulus felt his knees weaken.
“That’s you.”
Regulus stumbled forward; Monty was sure to stay close behind him as he reached out to touch the image of him on the wall. The banner beneath read ‘Regulus’ in bold script.
The Image of him was striking. His pale skin contrasted the rich tones of the Potters, his scowl contrasted their smiles, but he looked like himself. His black hair was short, just the way Effie cut it; cheekbones and sharp jaw highlighted in contrast to the deep maroon background of the tapestry.
“How?” Regulus whimpered.
“Your parents burned you from your family tapestry, meaning you were free to come to your new family’s tapestry.” Monty explained gently.
“But that’s- that’s me. That’s me now-” Regulus whimpered.
“There’s no magic in the tapestries that I know of, that prevents it from changing as you do.”
“So, they- they saw I was no longer her?” Regulus asked quietly before his lips stretched into a grin. “They- they saw me. They couldn’t handle that I’m not perfect.”
“Oh child, you are indeed perfect, there’s nothing wrong with you, everything is wrong with them.” Monty’s voice was soft, calming in a way that only a father’s could be.
“Sorry, sorry.” Regulus sniffed, horrified at his own outburst.
“Oh, dear boy.” Monty smiled softly. “It’s alright to feel. You’re allowed to have feelings.”
Regulus took a deep breath as he gripped Monty's arm. “My behaviour-”
“Was perfectly normal, for a boy who has had to bottle up his emotions for his entire life.” Monty reminded him as he held the teen in his arms from behind, their eyes both still drawn to the moving portrait on the wall. “It’s okay, Regulus. You’re okay.”
“Thank you.” Regulus sniffled again.
“Nothing to thank me for.” Monty whispered in response. “I didn’t do anything here; it’s been all you. You’re a strong boy, who was forced to be strong for too long. It’s okay to not be strong all the time.”