Chapter 10
October 11, 1975
Regulus
It’s raining outside and the leaves on the trees have already started turning yellow and orange. The sky is covered with tattered rags of clouds, although some rays of sunlight break through the dark gray spots, scattering over the tall trees. Regulus sits alone at the table at Three Broomsticks and keeps staring out of the window people watching. He takes sips from his glass periodically, waiting for Pandora and Remus. Dozens of third-years are crowded under colourful umbrellas at the entrance of the inn and talking excitedly with each other, actively gesticulating and smiling broadly. Regulus recognises himself in them when he came to Hogsmeade for the first time and was overwhelmed by the vast array of shops of all kinds, while Remus tried to suppress his laughter looking at Regulus’ impatient face, eager to enter every single one of them.
He’s still watching third-years when Pandora comes in and joins Regulus at the table in a murky corner. The light is dim and all the tables around them are occupied by groups of four-years talking loudly among themselves.
‘Hey, Reg,’ Pandora smiles softly, taking off her coat and hanging it on an empty chair.
‘Oh, hi, Pandora. Sorry, I didn’t notice you,’ Regulus says and turns his attention to her. ‘How are you doing? I’m sorry we haven’t talked much, I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.’
‘I understand. There’s no need to apologise for something that’s out of your control,’ says Pandora. ‘I’m doing great, thanks for asking. Someone has stolen one of my crystals but I know that they probably needed it more than me anyway,’ she adds mindfully.
‘You’re the best of us, Dora,’ Regulus lets out a laugh. ‘I wouldn’t hesitate to find them and make them pay, if I were you.’
‘I know, Regulus,’ smiles Pandora. ‘That’s why we’re friends.’
Pandora tells him about her classes, the girl from Ravenclaw she’s recently befriended and who has praised Dora’s tarot cards, asking if she could make her the same ones, and how wonderful she finds the weather today, 'matching the vibes of Hogwarts perfectly'. Regulus, in exchange, talks about the last Quidditch practices he attended and how little of use he found them, 'being one of the best seekers in the history of school'. Being on the team with Avery and Mulciber makes the time spent on practices even less worthy, with them constantly making fun of anyone within their sight and Mulciber cursing Sirius’ name for throwing him off the broom during the last match every spare minute. Pandora smiles at the mention of him and says that Mulciber deserved it, promising to protect Sirius’ aura with her crystals when she returns to her dorm.
Remus arrives at the inn fifteen minutes later, soaking wet and with a pack of chocolate peeking out of his pocket. He casts a drying charm over himself and takes a sit next to Regulus, giving Pandora a quick kiss on the cheek.
‘Sorry, the line in Honeydukes was enormous,’ Remus says, clearly irritated. ‘Have I missed anything?’
‘Not at all,’ Pandora replies. ‘We were just talking about Sirius.’
Remus swallows nervously and gives Pandora a questioning look. ‘What d’you mean?’
‘I was just complaining about Mulciber bringing up the incident with Sirius all the time during practice. Even in my opinion he’s talking too much about my brother, and I don’t like either of them that much,’ Regulus explains. He knows by the suspicious glance Remus throws at him that he doesn’t believe a word Regulus said. Not daring to look his friend in the eyes, Regulus looks away and feigns studying the menu.
‘Okay,’ Remus clearls his throat. ‘So, Dora, can you tell us everything you know about Hufflepuff’s Cup?’
She folds her arms on the table and her face instantly takes on a serious look.
‘Sure. What exactly do you want to know?’
Remus and Regulus exchange a glance. ‘Literally anything,’ Remus says.
‘Okay, but I want you to lower your expectations. No one knows much about it, and the things we do know is nothing more but rumors,' she starts. 'So, according to the legend, Helga Hufflepuff, one of the founders of Hogwarts, created the Cup as a symbol of her legacy and as a way to honour her house's values of hard work, loyalty, and fair play. The Cup was originally crafted from gold and encrusted with precious jewels. It was said to be enchanted so that only a true Hufflepuff could find it and use it to unlock the door to Hufflepuff's secret chamber at Hogwarts.’
Pandora stops talking and Remus and Regulus look at her expectantly.
‘Is that all?’ Remus asks incredulously.
‘I told you to lower your expectations,’ Pandora replies and orders a drink while the boys look at each other disappointingly.
Regulus bites his lip and ponders. ‘Is there any information on who might possess it now?’
‘Most likely Helga’s descendants,’ Pandora says and takes a sip of her butterbeer.
‘Shit,’ Regulus curses. How is he supposed to find them? They could be literally anywhere and their name may be something like Mary Johnson or Henry White.
‘I know you won’t tell me why you need this information, at least not now, but if there is anything else I can ever help you with, you can always rely on me,’ Pandora says softly.
‘Thank you, Dora. You’ve already helped loads,’ Remus says reassuringly.
‘Yeah, thanks. I’m sorry I even bothered you with it. It’s nothing really, just a stupid research,’ Regulus sighs.
‘If you say so,’ Pandora shrugs her shoulders. ‘I wish I could tell you more.’
Regulus takes a look at the clock above the bar counter and announces that he has to go. It’s only afternoon but he’s so exhausted that the only thing he can think about is falling on his bed at the dorm and sleeping for 12 hours straight.
‘Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?’ Remus asks worryingly.
‘I don’t need a supervisor, Remus. Have fun.’
On his way back to the castle he runs into Dorcas and Marlene but doesn’t stop to talk to them. His eyelids are heavy and he can barely walk steady, so he gives them a wry smile and excuses himself to the dorm.
When Regulus changes and covers himself with a blanket, he comes to a realisation that just like the past 5, 7, 11 nights in a row he can’t fall asleep. His mind is like a buzzing anthill, his thoughts engulf him like waves in a storm, none of his body parts can relax, as if he’s expecting someone to attack him. In reality, however, he’s all alone in the room, the curtains are drawn to prevent any light from the outside to flick throw his windows, and no external factors can interfere with his sleep. It’s just his stupid head.
Regulus lays in his bed for what feels like hours until he finally gets up and goes to the bathroom. He leans on the sink and looks up. A thin, pale boy with sunken cheeks and large bags under his eyes looks at him from the other side of the mirror. Regulus grimaces at his own reflection and forces himself to take a shower. Somehow being hygienic has required more efforts than usual lately, and even washing his face has become almost unbearable.
When Regulus’ roommates return from Hogsmead, he leaves the dorm. It’s already 9pm and he has achieved absolutely nothing today. He’s nowhere close to finding out the truth about the Cup, he hasn’t even started looking for any hideouts, and he feels like everything he undertakes is doomed to failure.
His legs lead him subconsciously to the Astronomy Tower. He hasn’t been here since the last time James confronted him and Regulus doesn’t think Potter will ever show up here again.
And Regulus is right. Leaving the Tower at midnight, Regulus isn’t sure if he’s disappointed or relieved that the Gryffindor boy didn’t come, and a part of him secretly hopes that next time it will be different.
October 14, 1975
Sirius
‘Where’s your cloak?’ Sirius asks James as they get ready for the Quidditch practice.
‘In my bag,’ James replies while polishing his broom. ‘By the way, where is the map?’
‘Sorry, I borrowed it,’ Sirius reaches for the parchment lying on his bed and hands it to James.
‘Pads, you had the whole previous week. We share it for a reason.’
‘I said I’m sorry, Prongs, but it was a matter of necessity.’
‘Oh, really?’
‘Yeah.’
‘And what was the necessity?’
Sirius bites his lip. ‘I was checking Lupin’s location. I still don’t understand how he and Snape found out about your cloak,’ Sirius says honestly. Ever since the last conversation he had with Remus he’s been wondering whether the boy lied to him. There was no reason as for why Remus would warn them about Snape (does Snape even know about the cloak?), and the argument ‘I hate you less’ isn’t that convincing, if you ask Sirius. And also, how did Remus find out about the cloak in the first place? They’ve been extremely cautious with it. Well, not extremely, but they were never showing it off.
James presses his lips into a thin line and looks away. ‘Dunno.’
Sirius sighs. ‘What if Lupin is lying? Let’s assume he somehow learnt that you have an invisibility cloak. There is no chance that Snape knows about it, I’m dead sure.’
James snorts.
‘What?’ Sirius looks at him. ‘I bet Lupin wants it for himself and Snape has nothing to do with it. Maybe by asking me he wanted to make sure his guess was correct,’ he thinks out loud.
‘It doesn’t matter, Pads. I’ll keep a closer eye on it from now on.’ James hides his handle polish inside his bedside table and grabs his bag with uniform. ‘Let’s go.’
‘Don’t you want to confront him?’ Sirius asks persistently when they leave the dorm.
‘Who?’
‘Lupin.’
James stops in the middle of the corridor and looks at Sirius irritably. ‘No. I don’t want to confront anyone, Sirius, and I don’t care if either of them knows about the damn cloak.’
‘Whatever,’ Sirius throws offhandedly. ‘I just want you to be careful.’
‘Thank you, I will.’
They don’t talk as enter the changing room and they don’t talk as they change, either. Sirius assumes James is mad at him but he doesn’t understand what was wrong about what he said. If Sirius is right and Lupin is just trying to get at them, James should be grateful to Sirius. For the first time ever it is him who is the sensible between the two.
As Sirius stretches at the pitch, he notices Mary and Marlene heading towards the bleachers. He skipped the previous training to avoid Mary because Lily was still outraged due to the incident with the plush, but James threatened to kick him out of the team if he didn’t show off to the next practice. Sirius hasn’t talked to Mary ever since she slapped him across the face (he never mentioned this part to James or Peter) and told him to get out of her room. He hasn’t figured out how to make up with her again and he isn’t sure she wants them to bury the hatchet. He’s fucked up way too many times already and he doubts she wouldn’t beat him to death if he tried to apologise to her for the third time this month. Maybe he should simply wait for the situation to resolve itself.
They don’t do much today because no one seems to be in the right mood. James has been gloomy for the past week for reasons unknown to Sirius, and now he seems to be even more irate because of Sirius; Mary is still mad at him (he doesn’t even need to talk to her; the looks she keeps throwing at him tell him everything he needs to know), and Sirius himself is on the edge. Marlene is the only one who seems to be on cloud nine, flying faster than any of them and catching the snitch within 10-15 seconds each. Good for her, Sirius thinks, at least one of them is doing good.
After practice Sirius leaves without taking a shower; he just grabs his things and heads to the castle. He barely has any energy to climb up the stairs and dreams of jumping into his warm bed and having a couple of Fizzing Whizzbees.
‘Sirius?’ someone calls him as he enters the common room. A boy, most likely a second- or third-year, sits on the sofa and studies him carefully.
‘Pardon?’
‘I have something for you,’ the boy says. Sirius notices a folded note in his hands.
‘What—Who—What’s your name?’ he asks tiredly. The last thing he wants to do is to chit-chat with a clingy boy.
‘I’m Clyde. Clyde Wilson.’ The name tells him literally nothing. ‘You’re a friend of James, right?’
‘Suppose I am. What’s the deal?’
Clyde comes up to him and hands him the note. ‘That’s for you.’
Sirius looks at him suspiciously. ‘Who’s it from?’
‘I am not allowed to say.’
Sirius blinks. Can it be from Mulciber? That motherfucker must’ve finally had the courage for revenge but Sirius isn’t that dumb. ‘Tell whoever gave you this piece of paper that I don’t give a shit about it,’ Sirius throws the note in the fireplace and goes up to his dorm.
He changes into his pajamas, takes a pack of Fizzing Whizzbees and grabs the book Andy sent him couple of days ago. He reads it till he falls asleep and dreams about Mulciber and Avery being kicked out of Hogwarts, their team winning the Quidditch Cup at the end of the year, and Remus (Remus?) clapping the loudest as the commentator announces Gryffindor’s victory.
October 20, 1975
Remus
On Monday morning Remus is drifting off in his Transfiguration class. Even though he loves Professor McGonagall, he can’t force himself to concentrate on the topic of the lesson. She’s used to it by now and never scolds him or gives him detention and he wonders if she’s aware of his condition.
He’s been reading all the books he could find on dark magic at the library for the past week, sometimes staying awake the whole night. He is determined to keep his promise to Regulus and help him however he can, even if that means he has to sacrifice his sleep and most of his free time. Remus doesn’t complain, though; he’s sure Regulus would do the same for him.
The books provided at Hogwarts’ library are useless. They don’t contain any information they could possibly need, and Remus thinks he might resort to desperate measures, such as breaking into professors’ offices and inspecting them in search of at least something they could find useful.
He meets with Regulus at the library after their classes are over, ready to update Regulus on the fact that he’s found absolutely nothing.
‘I’m telling you, we won’t find anything here,’ he says. ‘I think they’ve removed any book that could possibly prompt students to use dark magic or possess dark objects.’
Regulus sighs. ‘You’re probably right. But there was a reference in one of the articles I’ve read to the book ‘Secrets of the Darkest Art’, have you heard of it?’
Remus ponders. ‘No, I don’t think so,’ he says eventually.
‘I searched for it in the restricted section but nothing resembled it. I really wish we could get a hold of it.’
‘Can it be in the famous Black library?’ Remus asks.
‘I’ve already thought of it. It could be but there’s no way I can get it before Christmas and I should’ve found all the hiding spots at Hogwarts by now,’ Regulus replies. ‘I’ll focus on the hideouts, I think, I don’t really have much time to do the research.’
‘I thought I could look for Hufflepuff descendants?’ says Remus suggestively. ‘Maybe I’ll find some lead.’
‘I’d be very grateful. Can’t believe we’re wasting our time on this,’ says Regulus desperately. ‘Thank you, Remus, you have no idea how much your help means to me.’
‘That’s what friends are for,’ Remus gives him a soft smile.
‘By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,’ Regulus bites his lip and looks at Remus expectantly, as if searching for some signs of approval.
‘Sure, go on.’
‘Were those animals from last year in the shack last month?’ he asks. ‘We never really talked about it after the previous full moon.’
Remus smiles. ‘Yeah, all three of them. And before you ask me whether I know if they’re Animagi, the answer is still “no, I have no idea’’. I would’ve told you otherwise.’
‘I think that’s great they keep you a company, Remus,’ Regulus smiles back at him. ‘But are you sure you still don’t want me there?’
‘I love you, Reg, and even the fact that you suggest it in the first place means the whole world to me, but we can’t risk your identity being exposed. You’ve got other things to worry about now and I’d rather you rested more.’
‘I rest enough,’ Regulus protests.
Remus snorts. ‘We both know you don’t.’
‘I do.’
‘You don’t.’
‘Fine.’
‘Not fine. Reg, you should take better care of yourself.’
‘I take care of myself.’
‘When was the last time you had something to eat?’
Remus watches Regulus stiffen. His expression turns blank, and Remus feels like he’s looking at a faceless person.
‘Remus,’ he says in a warning tone.
‘That’s a simple question, Reg.’
‘Remus.’
‘What?’ Remus says defensively.
‘I told you I’m not having this conversation with you and I swear I won’t apologise if you fuck this up again.’
Remus sighs. ‘Just—Don’t—’
‘I have everything under control,’ Regulus cuts. Both of them know it’s bullshit but Remus knows he won’t win this argument.
‘Okay,’ he simply says. Remus knows he can throw his friend a life preserver but it’s up to Regulus whether to grab it or die in the storm.
‘I should go. Quidditch practice,’ Regulus says after a minute of silence.
‘Mulciber and Avery still acting like brats?’ Remus changes the topic.
Regulus snorts. ‘When did they not act like brats?’
‘Fair enough. See you tomorrow?’ Remus raises an eyebrow.
‘Yeah. I’ll be there when you wake up.’
‘Thank you. Have a good practice.’
‘Thanks. Have a good full moon,’ Regulus says and leaves the library, waving Remus goodbye.
On his way back to the dorm Remus heads to the owlery first. It’s Alwyn’s birthday tomorrow, and Remus has prepared a gift for him. It’s really nothing special – a card with birthday wishes, a book on potions Alwyn mentioned in one of his last letters, which he needs to advance his knowledge for the Auror programme, and a silver ring Remus bought in some muggle store just before school. The ring is in the form of raven, without any extra details, but that’s exactly what reminds Remus of Alwyn – firstly, obviously, his house at Hogwarts, and secondly, the simplicity of Alwyn himself. He doesn’t come from a rich family and, unlike Remus, never slightly cared about it, taking everything his life gave him with a smile and the sense of gratitude. Remus can’t say that his origin bothers him much but being a Slytherin makes you easy prey for assholes like Mulciber if you can’t stand up for yourself.
Suddenly Remus catches the sound of giggling in some empty class. He thinks it’s none of his business, he shouldn’t linger, but the door is ajar, so Remus comes up closer and takes a glance inside out of curiosity. Speaking of the devil, there’s Mulciber, with Avery and – to his surprise – Snape, whispering among themselves and wearing smug looks. Remus hides behind the door and tries to decipher their words.
‘…and then we set it on fire!’ he hears Mulciber exclaim.
‘Are you sure we won’t get in trouble?’ Snape asks with a hint of doubt in his voice.
Mulciber and Avery look at him grumpily.
‘Do you want to get back at them or not?’ Avery hovers over Snape.
‘Of course I do!’
‘Then it doesn’t matter. Simply follow the plan.’
‘Shouldn’t we practice beforehand?’ Snape says quietly, looking down at his shoes. It’s so easy for him to act scary and confident around those weaker than him but the moment he finds himself surrounded by someone stronger, he retreats immediately. Pathetic, Remus thinks.
‘Sure,’ Mulciber smirks and sets Snape’s robs on fire.
Remus decides he’s seen enough and continues his way to the owlery. He needs to send Sirius another message, though this time without Clyde’s help.
Remus thinks it’s easier to talk to Helga Hufflepuff herself than to Sirius Black. That bastard is always accompanied by either Potter or Pettigrew. Or both, which is even worse.
Remus stands in front of the entry to the Gryffindor common room and waits for Sirius to show up. It’s been two hours already and he starts questioning the relevance of his being here. Who’s Sirius to him, anyway? Why does he care so much about what might happen to him? Why did he warn him about Snape and the cloak? He could’ve simply said nothing and mind his business instead of throwing himself in the thick of things. For fuck’s sake, the full moon is today, and he wanted to spend some time in the library before heading to the Shrieking Shack. Instead, he’s waiting for Sirius Black. Remus questions his entire existence at this point.
When he starts contemplating leaving, Sirius and James emerge from the corner, talking and laughing. Remus wonders if they ever shut up.
‘I need to talk to you’, he says when they are within earshot, looking directly at Sirius.
Sirius looks at him bewildered, furrowing his eyebrows, when James opens his mouth to say something.
‘I—Remus—Well—,’ he sighs. ‘Thank you. For the cloak,’ James clarifies. ‘I put protective charms on it so Snape will really have to try to get it.’
‘Good to know,’ Remus gives him an approving look. ‘I need to talk to Sirius,’ he repeats.
Sirius hesitates first but then mouths ‘it’s okay’ to James and turns to Remus, looking somewhere between his neck and his chest and silently nodding.
‘So,’ James looks awkwardly between him and Sirius, ‘see you in fifteen?’
‘Yeah,’ Sirius replies, still not looking at Remus.
When the portrait closes behind James, Remus sighs heavily and looks at Sirius.
‘It’s about Mulciber,’ he says.
‘What about him?’ Sirius raises an eyebrow.
‘I think he might ask Snape to pull a prank on you during your next match against Ravenclaw.’
‘You think?’ Sirius snorts. ‘We all know that Quidditch is off the limits. I have no idea who the fuck feeds you delusions about Snape or Mulciber but I’m sure it’s all bluff.’ he says with confidence.
Remus begins to boil with anger. ‘Why the fuck are you so stubborn?’ he snaps. ‘I’m literally helping you now and that’s what I get in return?’
Remus can see lightning bolts in Sirius’s eyes and before he gets a chance to reduce the degree of tension between them, Sirius is practically shouting at him. ‘Who the fuck do you think you are, showing up at my dorm and demanding that I listen to you? Why do you care? How do I know you’re not a part of this prank, ha?’
‘Fuck you,’ Remus spits. ‘I don’t know what your fucking problem is but next time you’re falling off of your fucking broom, I won’t be the one to help you,’ he throws and leaves before his fist meets Sirius’ face.
He goes straight to the Shrieking Shack and hopes that tonight’s transformation won’t be that painful. Remus expects the night to be a long one.