Unwanted Misson
Saturday the 18th of September 1976
“Are you ready to go?”
He had been ready since he realised that Sirius never would be.
The moment the whispers started, his brother was off on that train and sorted into the worst possible house, making friends with traitors and Muggleborns – ignoring the heir he was supposed to be, was the moment Regulus knew what was coming.
Sirius had always been explosive compared to Regulus’ calmer nature, volatile and with an exceptional ability to make his own choices and decide his own path, even if it cost other people. He didn’t care about the rumours that plagued him and his family, the endless reports of him sneaking off with yet another girl or making friends with lesser folk was the most vicious kinds of humour for Sirius Black.
So, Regulus had learnt to do what Sirius ignored and ran away from. He picked up the slack, he joined Slytherin, he made friends with the right sort of people, and when the talk of the Dark Lord started picking up – he acted interested.
But out of the corner of his eye, he watched them – he watched as his brother seem relaxed, happy and laughing and in with a group of friends that loved him more than his own family – with the ability to be himself. He didn’t flinch when boy Potter wrapped his arm around him, didn’t frown or snark when the Muggleborn scolded him to his face.
He joked with Lupin, nudging one another and laughing, he stared at Hermione with a look that showed everything Regulus had never seen on his face, and he seemed to get joy from winding up Marlene like he had seen the Potter’s do – like she was some kind of sibling to tease.
He both hated and loved it. His brother deserved it, and Regulus had made his choice to make himself look better in his parents books and to protect his brother from everything that Regulus has promised himself to be.
“...good for nothing son!” Orion had screamed the moment he had gotten home, and Regulus had watched him pace, wincing with every swish of his wand that he sent towards some place or another.
His temper was something else to be matched but his mother had done just that, with her scream to wake the dead and a loud blast at the family tapestry and his brothers face, name and birth burnt off – leaving nothing but a blackened mark that Regulus couldn’t keep his eyes off.
There seemed to be a lot of them collecting, the black marks standing out more than the actual family members, and his own name and face remained there – the last Black heir, the only one left to carry on an otherwise dying line.
“Everyone will be here soon – how are we to tell them that the bastard ran away?” Walburga hissed, looking far more deranged than ever before, spit flying from her mouth and hair falling from its usually neat bun.
“He’s gone, has he?” The three turned to see Pollux Black stood there, barely older than his daughter and much calmer than the two other adults in the room, his eyes turning to face Orion with a simple raised eyebrow. “It was only a matter of time I suppose – I warned you both of that.” His parents seemed to flinch at the slight reprimand, their head bowing slightly.
“We have Regulus – Orion has been training him, preparing him, since the bastard left for Hogwarts – come now Regulus.” He didn’t have much of a choice in the matter as his mother dragged him from the sofa like he was nothing more than a limp doll to throw at his Grandfather’s feet.
“There is much more than a simple training, we have made a promise, Walburga – are we certain that this boy will be able to full that promise and restore our family?” Pollux sneered down at him, his face filled with disbelief and his pale eyes holding nothing more than disdain for the entire situation.
“I can do it, Grandfather.” Regulus muttered, staring up at the older man.
“We don’t have another choice, do we boy?”
No, they didn’t have much choice because Regulus, Hermione and Sirius had made it so. With that in mind he nodded his head at Snape in confirmation, a deep breath leaving his mouth as he followed behind the pasty, sallow boy, winding up from the dungeon and to the fourth floor to stand before some dusty old mirror.
There wasn't surprise when Snape opened it and turned to give him a half smirk, impressed with himself even in the face of Regulus’ cold mask. “You can thank your traitor brother and his idiotic friends for showing me this.”
A small smile made his way to his face as he tried to imagine his brother showing the mirror to Snape and explaining how to leave the castle – it made an amusing thought, but it was obviously not the truth, but Regulus wasn't going to bring up Snape’s stalking of his brother and Potter – not today anyway.
Instead, he climbed inside, raising his eyebrows at the large space, enough to fit a group of people. Snape led the way, his wand held high and projecting light off of the old stone, showing scraps and a couple of old sweet wrappers – ignoring the constant burning from his arm even as Snape hissed.
He was growing impatient.
Without a word they walked faster, footsteps echoing around them and pushing them the long passageway, ducking under lower pieces of brick and towards the murky night that greets them, hidden by a simple misplaced piece of brick that seems so obvious on their way out but difficult to spot once Snape shut it behind them.
He took a second to look around as they left the passageway behind them and stepped into Hogsmeade. No one paid them any mind, unconcerned about what two teenagers were doing out instead of in the castle, too focused on flirting, drinking or speaking in hushed conversations.
Snape let out a scoff as they move forward, stopping to cast a couple snogging, between two shops, a disgusted glance. They seemed barely older than him, but his stomach turned as they pulled apart to grin lazily at each other, carefree and young like they should be – like Regulus should be.
It did no good to dwell on his choices, but he couldn't deny he was a teenager with slight urges surrounded by pretty girls – and unable to do anything unless he wanted his parents on his back or ruining any chance at a marriage.
A flash of golden hair, icy eyes and a wild grin comes to his mind. He could almost see her now, stood before him, offering words of comfort or a simple conversation that turned to him winding her up until she glared and snapped – looking prettier than before. Then he thought of Hermione’s words.
“One last thing -” He stopped to turn and look at her with a frown. “ - when I say toss us away, I mean all of us – I won’t let her be dragged into this.”
He had never promised to stop speaking to Marlene, to stop their friendly conversations or the way she made him feel slightly warm, but he had heard the threat in Hermione’s voice without her even saying it. That if she had to choose between him and Marlene, she would throw him away in an instance without a second look or without a care.
Because Hermione Potter was more selfish than she looked, and there would always be someone else who was more important than himself. And Regulus wasn’t stupid to know he was even in the top ten, they had had a few conversations, but he had hoped she would care more – that she would see him for everything he really was, after everything he had done.
But like his brother, they both just moved on with their lives and their own problems.
And so had he. That’s what he was walking towards, this was the moment that would make or break him and honestly he wasn’t sure which it would be.
Not even as he and Snape stopped before a man, dressed in black with a grim expression that suddenly twisted into some version of a smile. “Snape – what took you so long?” His voice was but a hiss as his eyes flickered between the two boys stood before him.
“Sneaking away from a castle is not as easy as you think, Travers.” The mans eyes flickered again and his lip curled up as he stared at Regulus, mouth opening to say something when Snape cut him off dryly. “I doubt the Dark Lord will be pleased if we get there later than he asked.”
“Fine – hold on and don’t move – I’m not coming back for anything if either one of you are splinched.”
…
“Regulus.”
Malfoy Manor stood the same as it always had, grand and imposing, in a way that once could have been beautiful but now seems as gloomy and cold as the sky above it. Not even the wandering peacocks and the sprawling flower beds could save it.
Nor the fireplaces that seem to spring to life in every room, light flickering off of the cold walls and old portraits of the same light haired, pale eyed, pointy faced Malfoy’s – there look a stark comparison to the many black haired, and sharp features of the Blacks – and their obvious need to show off their wealth worth nothing more than an eye roll.
It would be better invested in the house instead of the gaudy rings and clothes Lucius seems to want to fashion himself with, or the brand new cane that he now seems to keep by his side as he smiles pointedly at Regulus.
“It’s an honour that you were able to make it.”
“The Dark Lord called.” Regulus added haughtily, raising an eyebrow and daring Lucius to say whatever it is that had made him look like he’s sucked a sour lemon.
“Regulus is doing what he can to make our – his house great again.” Narcissa stood like a beacon against the dark robes of the Death Eaters, dressed in elegantly in a deep green that made her skin even paler and her blue eyes dull – yet she still looked beautiful, if not a bit worried as she cast Lucius a side glance and bowed her head.
“Aren’t you supposed to be upstairs?” Lucius spat out after a second as Regulus bit down his urge to greet and speak to his cousin.
Narcissa face dropped for a spilt second, enough for Regulus to see between the cracks, to try and push down that urge to reach for her and ask how she has been since they last spoke. Since he last saw her when Sirius was brought home.
She hadn’t spoken to him much then, not that they had ever been the sort to sit and chat about their lives, but her eyes, so like his own, had met his and for a second he swore he could see the regret at having to sit and do nothing while Sirius was abused before her eyes, before his own – but family was duty and they had both decided what path to go down.
She had married when Andromeda ran away with her Muggleborn husband and bastard child – she had stepped up where others couldn’t, and done her duty to the Black’s and now the Malfoy’s. Except she seemed to be falling short on that regard by the still flat tummy and the glare Lucius was sending her way.
Regulus jumped as Lucius wrapped an arm around his shoulders, sneering in a way that would make Snape proud. “When you get a wife, Black, make sure she is obedient – and make sure she can provide you with an heir both the vows are done.” It was disgusting but a few of the other men laughed and nodded their heads.
“Should have made sure to have a trial run first, Malfoy.” One of them shouted, dark hair almost like a hood and body thicker than most men. Fucking Rodolphus Lestrange, which meant she wouldn’t be far behind.
“Cousin!” Where Narcissa was light, Bellatrix was dark, except for her skin. Her hooded dark eyes watched him as she sauntered forward, tall and imposing that most men bowed their heads away from her – that nothing would be said while she was around unless they wanted to feel the wrath of her wand. “How glad our family will be to know you are here.”
“Good evening, Bella, I am glad to be here.” He responded lowly as he bowed his head and offered her a small smile. It would do no good to upset her, not when she was in the Dark Lord’s pocket and the family favourite.
Bellatrix offered him her widest smile, one that made him want to stand straighter and grimace away, for it was wild and taunting, and made her look slightly more insane than normal. Yet he remained cold before her, the same small smile on his face and his hands clasped tightly behind his back. “Let us take out seats, cousin, the Dark Lord is not kind to those who linger about.”
His stomach knotted slightly as he looked at the Death Eaters, suddenly serious in the face of their meeting, their heads down as they walked towards the dining room, making enough space for him and Bellatrix as she guided him.
He didn’t hesitate or flinch at the feel of her sharp nails digging into his arm, nor when she shoved him down into a chair beside Snape at the lower end of the table, strutting around to where a large throne looking chair sat at the end of the table, taking her seat to the right of it and smirking at the frowning Lucius.
Yet no one spoke, remaining in silence with their heads turned towards the empty table and their hands on their laps. It almost looked as though they were praying, like the Muggles did at their churches, except their was no muttering here. Just a silence that made him feel slightly uncomfortable and turn his head to Snape.
Black eyes met his own, a hand reaching up to turn his head forward just as the doors opened again and the sound of long robes and soft footsteps met his ears.
“My friends.” His voice was high pitched, just like it had been when he last saw him, but this time it felt different, colder and yet somehow happier than before when he had looked down at Regulus and had not seen the Black he was promised.
“My Lord.” The group chanted as Regulus dared to look up, most of the group were still looking down at Voldemort passed by them, except Bellatrix and her husband, his black robes brushing against the floor and his waxy white face and red eyes staring at ahead.
The snake like man sat himself down on his throne at the end of the table, his eyes staring down as the members slowly lifted their heads to meet their leaders eyes. Regulus frowned as a small watery eyed boy all but ran to stand behind Voldemort, tripping over his own feet much to the amusement of the Death Eaters.
“Pettigrew!” Voldemort hissed, as Regulus blinked, moving his head slightly to look further down the table where an older man with the same watery eyes sat himself up straighter.
Fuck. It had been over a year since Peter ran away, since rumours began to swirl about who Mr Pettigrew was, since he watched his brother and his friends look hurt and annoyed – since they became three instead of four. And now he was face to face with both Pettigrew’s, with Peter looking like he was the Dark Lord’s cup bearer and his father looking like he wished to be anywhere else.
“Sorry, my Lord.” Peter whispered, all but shaking, even as his eyes met Regulus’ and for some reason he seemed to shake more.
Good. Let him fear what Regulus might let slip loose, that Regulus might tell Sirius what he already knew.
Voldemort ignored the boy, staring down at his followers with narrowed eyes and a sneer like smirk, his wand in his wand and his long fingers resting on the table. “I’m sure you are all wondering why I called on you today -” He leaned forward slightly, eyes flashing as he grinned. “ - you see, it has come to my attention that while our mission at the Ministry has been successful, we have been failing in other areas.”
Half the table seemed to shrink back at his words, even Lucius looked wary as Voldemort looked around, and though he wanted to ask, he knew better than to question the Dark Lord about any possible missions, even as those red eyes locked onto his own for a second.
“My Lord...I would like to -” The red eyes moved away and Regulus let out a deep breath as Voldemort turned to look at Bellatrix, almost seeming soft as he stared down at her.
“You have done enough, Bella.” Voldemort hissed, though it almost seemed affectionate as Bellatrix all but sighed under his attention, like her husband wasn’t sat beside her. “It is time for your cousin to prove himself to our cause.” And just like that every eye was on Regulus, staring him down as if daring him to disagree.
“An honour I am happy to provide, my Lord.” Yet his voice didn’t sound like his own and his face seemed stiff as he tried to smile, the slight tingle of fear working its way up his spine.
Before Voldemort could speak the main doors opened again, and a man, tall and thin with a hood covering his face entered. No one seemed to pay him any mind, but Voldemort almost looked cheerful as the man made his way to sit on the left of him, his head bent and his hands resting on the table.
Snape shifted slightly beside him, almost uncomfortable as Regulus sent him a quick glance before turning back to Voldemort.
“You are familiar with Hermione Potter, are you not Regulus?” There were things he thought he would be asked to do, things he would never be happy with – and he had hoped that he could remain a minor member throughout the rest of his time at Hogwarts but judging by the narrowed eyes and cruel grin, it was not going to be that way.
His breath came out slightly stuttered but he managed not to wince as Snape’s hand pinched his leg, hidden by the cloak and his stony expression. “I have seen her about the school, my Lord.” He answered as calmly as he could, grateful that Snape managed to stay still and kept his thoughts to himself.
The man beside Voldemort shifted, a slightly sharp nose peeking out from beneath the cloak as Voldemort continued speaking. “Though you are not close?” It didn’t seem like a question, more like a disbelieving statement.
Again Regulus took a deep breath and tried to push all their conversations out of his head. “I do not associate with blood traitors.” His tongue felt like lead as it moved through his mouth, the bitter and slightly untruthful words spilling forth.
“Mulciber says otherwise.” His blood seemed to freeze in his veins as Voldemort leered at him, red eyes flashing. “He tells me he has seen you talking to her more than once, that you, like your brother and many other countless fools, are helpless with Miss Potter’s beauty.” His words are hissed much like a snakes and Regulus can’t help but freeze.
Hermione had always been beautiful, in a way that reminded him of a doll. Small and pale with a mess of black curls framing her soft features around her face, but she was far too delicate looking for him and far too cold in reality for him to even consider her as anything more than a distant relative/friend.
Truthfully she scared him more than anything. There were lengths and lines she didn’t seem afraid to cross so long as she got what she wanted, even if it meant stepping over people. She was a mixture of snake and lion wrapped up with the intelligence of an eagle and the loyalty of a badger – and he prayed for those who dared to try and cross her.
But he wasn’t in love with her. Had never even come close. Also he doubted Sirius would be so willing to even look the other way if he was.
But Regulus wasn’t stupid, he wasn’t going to contradict Voldemort. “I beg for forgiveness, my Lord, it was an error that I will not allow myself to make again.”
“An error that I will allow you to make again.”
“My Lord?”
“She is of pure stock, is she not?” Regulus opened his mouth to answer, the words dying on the tip of his tongue as Voldemort turned to the man on his left. “Her mother held influence in France?” He said it as though it was funny, all but smiling as the man looked up and his hood slipped back.
Regulus bit back a chocked gasp. The man sat by Voldemort’s side was a man Regulus had only ever heard about and seen in pictures, prouder and younger than he was now after nearly fourteen years in Azkaban.
Where he had once been tall and muscular, now he was thin and paler, his once curly hair seeming as greasy as Snape’s, but his grin remained the same. Cold and calculating, hiding a secret behind it’s twisted mask and filling Regulus with unease. Of course Voldemort would have no problem with a murderer sitting beside him.
“Yes, one of the wealthiest and oldest families in France.” Octans Potter spoke softly, his voice rasping over words and his eyes flickering to Regulus as he grinned wider, like he wasn’t speaking about his own daughter in front of a group of Death Eaters.
Voldemort hummed in approval, turning back to face Regulus. “The girl seems to have some level of trust in you, so do what you must to bring her to our side.” It was an order if he ever heard one, but one that would fall flat because they both knew she would never join them, not while she was capable of saying no.
“Of course, my Lord.”
“And if needs must, remind your brother and the Potter boy that I have allowed you to show them mercy but only if they step aside or join the cause.” If Regulus had thought he felt fear before then it was nothing compared to now, nothing compared to the way he bowed his head as though he was agreed.
As though he hadn’t just been tasked with the end of his brother nor Potter. Because they all knew that when Hermione was involved that they weren’t going to just let her go or be taken against her will, they also knew it was an incentive.
Join or watch them all be slaughtered.
…
The journey back into the castle was nothing like the journey out.
Gone was his cold mask and instead in its place was a boy full of fear. He should have known what he had signed up for, what would be asked of him but instead he had told of the few things he would never be able to do. Never want to do.
It choked him, an invisible cord wrapping around his throat and the burn on his inner left forearm reminding him of what he had signed up for knowingly, almost pushing him to get on with it. Pushing him to do the work the Dark Lord had ordered him. Like an unbreakable vow except if it was broke, something much worse than death would welcome him.
Snape stumbled ahead of him, seeming lost in his own thoughts as he guided them back through the passageway.
“What did he ask you to do?” It didn’t sound like his own voice, weak and feeble, that of a child instead of the heir of the most Noble and Ancient House of Black. Like a baby playing pretend.
Snape’s black eyes turned to look at him, a furrowed brow above them and his greasy hair acting like curtains to his sallow face before his lip turned into a sneer. “That’s not important – just be glad you were given something.”
“Given something – Severus, he asked me to – he all but told me to kill Sirius!”
“Can’t say it will be much of a lose to our lives.” Snape sneered cruelly, amusement glinting in his eyes, like he was enjoying the thought. “He’s a blood traitor who ran away from home and left you to pick up the pieces, why do you care?”
“Because he’s my brother...because none of them deserve to die – nor do they deserve to be dragged along for whatever plans the Dark Lord has for them.” Regulus hissed back out, before he hissed and gripped his burning arm. “Ow fuck.” He needed to be careful.
“Whatever you believe doesn’t matter, it never did, you made your choice and now you have to follow through.” His black eyes flickered down to the sleeve of Regulus’ robe, an odd sort of expression taking over his face, like a flickering sadness that changed into annoyance. “So get over it already.”
He turned before Regulus could stop him, taking long steps through the passageway, eager to get to the end and leave this conversation behind them.
Regulus huffed out a breath as he followed behind the boy, the mirror getting closer and closer with each step. “It was something with Evans wasn’t it.” He didn’t need to ask as Snape stopped in his tracks, looking over his shoulder at the boy.
“No.”
“Then what did he -”
“Be quiet.” His voice was a cruel hiss as he pushed open the mirror and jumped out, Regulus rushing to follow him, his feet landing on the floor with a loud slap and the mirror closing behind them with a bang loud enough to shake the glass.
“Sev -”
“You’re stupid if you think this wouldn’t happen.” Snape snapped at Regulus, black eyes colder than they had ever been – a nerve pinched and poked until the boy was nothing more than a snarling animal before him.
“I didn’t think this is what I would be asked.” His own nerves were rubbed raw, fear turning into anger. An anger at everyone, and at no one for warning him that he wouldn’t have to do something as simple as harm a Muggle or Muggleborn.
“You should have known.” Snape snapped a touch too loudly, his voice lowering as he continued. “You should have known that he would see your position – that he would use it as a way to test your loyalty.” Regulus couldn’t help the scoff that left his mouth.
Hadn’t he done enough? Hadn’t he shown his family he was capable? Hadn’t he taken the mark way before his sixteenth birthday? But Snape clearly didn’t see it the same way as he glared down at Regulus, like he was nothing more than a nuisance.
“And would you do it if the shoe was on the other foot?” The words left his mouth before he could stop them, all but shouting at the boy. “I signed up because I believe we, as Wizards, deserve better, not because I want to play some sick game with...with my…” With the only family he had left that were willing to fight for themselves.
“You made a choice – you don’t get to remain in between, and as far as I can see it, they all deserve it.”
“A few cruel jokes back and forth and suddenly your wishing for their death – I thought you were better than that, Snape.” Regulus’ voice turned cold and Snape let out a scoff. “None of them deserve this, and you know that.” The black eyes flickered between different emotions.
“Is that what you are going to try and bring up to the Dark Lord at the next meeting?” Snape sneered at him, almost amused it seemed. “Some kind of unity – you’re pathetic...you should have ran away with that blood traitor...saved yourself the hassle.” He didn’t wait for a response, eager to have the last word so he could storm away and leave Regulus alone.
Stuck somewhere between doing what was asked and doing what he knew was right – at the risk of himself and his family.
Footsteps echoed around him and he didn’t bother to move as he looked up, preparing to see Filch or another teacher who would scold and put him in detention for being out of bed. Except there were no teachers with messy black curls nor with bright emerald eyes.
“Out for a midnight stroll, cousin?”
“What are you doing here?” He couldn’t believe his luck that she happened to be here, that when he was thinking and tasked that she stood right before him like she knew he wouldn’t be able to just turn away and leave her there.
“I believe I asked you first.”
“You know her little Prefect badge won’t get you out trouble.” He sneered at Lily. Once, when she was more timid and unknowing, she might have flinched back, been hurt by his cruel tone but instead she simply raised an eyebrow and tilted her head to the side.
Hermione let out a small laugh. “I think somehow I’m not the one who needs to worry about being in trouble – or in case you forgot, I’m not the one who just clambered out of a secret passageway past curfew.” There was a slight teasing lilt to her voice and a small smile on her face even as she spoke again. “Did you finally see what you signed up for?”
He sucked in a deep unsteady breath as she stared at him with those dark eyes, ones he couldn’t help but wonder if her mother had – for they were nothing like her father’s cold blue ones. “I’m talking with you about this, especially not with her here.”
Lily rolled her eyes but moved to turn around, only stopped by Hermione grabbing her wrist. “It was Sirius wasn’t it?” His eyes closed as she spoke softly. “Does he want him dead?”
“I don’t – I don’t know if he does or if -”
“If he just wants to see how far you’ll go.” A shaky sigh left his mouth as Hermione moved closer, pulling Lily along with her until they both stood before him. A Pureblood and a Muggleborn, so different and yet they both seemed equally concerned. “That’s not all though, is it?”
Regulus bit into his bottom lip as his arm ached, tongue rolling around in his mouth and words seeming to escape him. He could tell her, keep her informed or he could do what was asked of him.
“Hermione, maybe we should -”
“Just keep an eye on my brother, Potter, and watch your back.” He didn’t mean it to sound like a threat, not at all, but he could see how it came across like that to Evans as she slowly pulled out her wand like she was prepared to fight him. Maybe she was. Hermione did seem to inspire that in people.
He spared one last look at Hermione, hoping she got the message he couldn’t say, even as she looked coldly at him – her eyes slightly narrowed and her jaw tense. He couldn’t tell if it was what he said or the clear threat at Sirius.
It didn’t matter. He had said all he could, even if it made him feel guilty, even as his arm ached something horrible – there was nothing more he could than turn away and hope she somehow got the message.
…
The Astronomy Tower once again seemed to be his saving grace, a place to breath away from the Common Room and snickering faces, and a chance to think about everything that had happened.
Or perhaps it was her.
Stood there like some kind of beacon with golden hair and tanned skin, a tall angel with a sharp tongue, that still gave him the time of day despite everything she probably knew – despite the fact that she would more than likely hear what had happened from Hermione and Evans tomorrow morning.
“Were you waiting for me?” He asked as he stepped out into the night light, her icy eyes turning to face him, a small amused smile on her face.
“Why would you think that?”
“How many other men do you meet up here?” He asked as he moved to stand beside her, feigning hurt as he raised a hand to his chest and she let out a little laugh as she rolled her eyes.
“Men...I wasn’t aware that fifteen year olds can be called men.” She snarked, though there was no bite to her tone as he laughed slightly before his smile fell and his hand moved to scratch the mark under his sleeve. “What’s wrong?” Her voice was softer than usual as she frowned at him in concern, her eyes staying on her face.
If it had been Hermione or Sirius, their eyes would have followed his hand, would have made it known that they knew what was under there and their faces would have pinched in disapproval, and a comment would have been made before they left.
But not her. He didn’t doubt that she knew, but she never brought it to his attention, never called him out – just continued to meet him up here and speak as though nothing was wrong. As though he wasn’t a...a Deatheater.
“Nothing – just...it’s been a long night.” He finally answered, removing his hand as her eyes stayed focused on his face.
“Go to bed then.”
“Are you going to tuck me in?”
“Want me to read you a story too?” She asked with a grin as he let out a laugh, though the image stuck in his mind – just not in the innocent way she was suggesting.
“That would be nice.” He remarked, pushing the image away and letting out a sigh as he leaned against the railing “So why are you Gryffindors all wandering round at the dead of night?” He added as she frowned at him, seeming confused.
“I can’t speak for anyone else but I personally needed a break from the party.” Marlene answered as she straightened her back and stretched her arms, a slight sliver of her stomach shown for a second, and her eyes flickering back to Regulus as he looked away rapidly.
“Party?”
“Yeah, you know that event people throw to celebrate something, or so they can get black out drunk and use it as an excuse to shag someone they wouldn’t look twice at in normal life.” He cringed away from the thought, he had been at the school long enough to hear about details of many parties and who had slept with who.
“Sounds like you know it well.” He remarked dryly as she scoffed.
“Judging me now, are we – let me guess, Slytherin parties include a bunch of sophisticated twats who sit and gossip with whiskey and cigars?” She bit back, an annoyed frown on her face but it was mixed with a slight hint of amusement.
“Not far off.”
“Sounds boring.”
“It is.” Regulus laughed before he grimaced.
There were probably some parties going on somewhere in the Slytherin House, probably for those who weren’t as extreme in their beliefs, in some dorm where they behaved like normal teenagers – but Regulus had never been invited to them.
Instead he was forced to sit until the dead of night with undrunk whiskey and made to listen as his fellow ‘Purebloods’ bitched about whoever they could or spoke about how the world would be reformed soon. He had hated it longer than he had done it, far too much like what his father did on a good day.
“You should come to a Gryffindor party one day, you’ll need a couple of days to recover, and you’ll probably wake up in bed with someone, but it will be a good laugh.” Marlene spoke softly, as though she could see where his thoughts
“I doubt I would be welcome, nor am I sure I just want some random night with some random girl.” Regulus admitted, avoiding her eyes to focus instead on the grey clouds and the flickering stars.
“Aw...does Regulus need to be romanced first?” She teased, nudging her shoulder into his own. “Not happy with just flashing those blues and having girls fall at your feet.” Surprised he turned to look at her, blinking as she grinned.
“What – that’s – I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Like you don’t know that you Blacks are an attractive bunch.”
“Because you can talk, McKinnon.”
Marlene gave him an amused little smile as she tilted her head, white teeth showing behind the slightly pouty lips and her eyes flickering over his face. “You think I’m attractive, Black?” He gaped as his cheeks flushed and he looked back towards the sky.
“Like you didn’t already know that.” He expected her to remark but as he turned to look at her, he saw the slight blush and the happy smile on her face.
It was strange, he knew that, to stand here with someone who would probably join the other side when she left school, who had dreams and ambitions so different from his own. That she would walk away from her family instead of bowing down – almost like his brother.
But Marlene was different from Sirius, underneath the layer of sarcasm and coldness, she was kind and willing to be friends with someone because of one conversation they had had moons ago. And he hated to think about what would happen when she eventually wised up and walked away, and he would be alone again.
He hoped that day would never come.