false Heirships
The funeral was a small affair. Orion Black did not have many fans. Regulus was just grateful he could have James and Hadrian there. He loved his cousins but they would have not been enough to keep him sane at this funeral. It had only been possible due to hours of arguing with Walburga. She had compromised that people outside the Black bloodline could attend. Only because Narcissa had been asking the same thing.
And that it would look bad if Regulus, the heir to the Black family did not show up at his own fathers funeral. But his mother would not budge in letting Sirius come. The man in question didn't seem all put out by being banned but Regulus could see it hurt him deep down.
Currently sitting with Narcissa and her family. It had been quite a while since Regulus or Narcissa had seen Bellatrix. After she had married Rodolphus Lestrange, seeing her became less and less. Though not for a lack of trying from Narcissa. She had already lost Andromeda, she was desperate not to lose her other older sister. But magic didn't shine on her that day it seemed. She hadn't seen her fiery wild older sister for over a year until this point.
But Bellatrix refused to leave her husband's side, almost nervously so. Wouldn't even look at her little sister. Regulus wanted not to make a scene at the funeral but the blonde fumed. Lucius kept a hold on his wife, a soothing hand in hers or on the small of her back. Draco seemed to notice as well and sat in his moms lap, as if wanting to comfort her. Which Narcissa couldn't help but find endearing.
Regulus had only approached his mother once. They were alone. He had found her at the altar, where they had put Orion's favorite foods and most loved item. “You decorated it very beautifully, mother…”
The witch had only nodded, hand over her heart. Despite all her faults, her anger. She had loved Orion very much. Regulus had seen that. They stood next to each other for a time. At the Altar. Regulus placed a picture among the others offered. Of Orion and his father, Arcturus. Regulus’ grandfather.
The moving picture showed Arcturus exasperated as a young Orion shoved a history book in his face. But the picture poured of love. Arcturus had always loved his children, Orion in particular. Walburga gave a small chuckle. Caressing the picture but not picking it up. Wearing a rare yet melancholy smile.
“Your father always loved history…had driven your grandfather up a wall with it. But he never stopped Orion from talking to him…” Walburga shared softly. Regulus shared his own melancholy smile. They said nothing more to one another. Afraid to break the silence. That if they spoke. They would argue. Walburgas dark veil might have obscured her eyes, but Regulus knew she was crying. Reaching and holding her hand, his mother took it much to the mans surprise.
Again, no words were said. A fragile truce was made for that moment. For by that altar, it was just a son comforting his grieving mother. As they looked at pictures of the person they lost.
Later that night. James held his husband while they were in bed. Regulus finally lets himself cry. He hadn't wanted to at first but the look from James made the damn break. He could never hide how he felt from the man. The dark wizard hated and loved that about James. Hugging the grey wizard tightly. Hiding against his chest.
“I hated him, I hated that man! For so long I would hope he would drop dead. Hoping in my room when I heard Sirius crying. Or when he would look at me like he despised me…” Regulus confessed. James only held him tighter. Letting Regulus speak.
“But now that he's actually gone…I don't know. I-I'm so…angry still.” Regulus said with such raw emotion that James felt his throat tighten. Running a hand through his hair soothingly. “Regulus…it's okay to still be angry. Just because he's dead doesn't mean what happened to you disappears, love. And it's okay to be sad for his death in the same breath…”
James started. Taking a deep breath. Keeping his own tears at bay. Focusing on comforting his Regulus. “He was still your father. You’re still losing a parent. I…I know how you feel, my love. Just let it out…” the man said simply. Knowing his words could only go so far. He would be there for Regulus. That's all he could do for him.
Despite Regulus’ feelings on the matter. The transfer of the head of house going to him had to be done in a timely manner. Only two days after the funeral, Regulus made his way to the ministry. The domestic wing, finding his mother and their Solicitor Milborn. It was tradition for only the Heir and parents could be there when the Heir takes over. So James reluctantly stayed home with Hadrian.
Once the three met up. They made their way to Milborns office. The paper work and material for a blood test ready. It was mandatory that the heir do a blood test to make sure they were who they said they were. The three spoke little. Already knowing the process by this point. Not even exchanging pleasantries. Milborn was a severe man, all business.
Setting out the lordship ring that used to set on his fathers middle finger. Made of black metal with three crows printed on the wide flat surface on its front. It made Regulus’ stomach roll, swallowing heavily as he picked up the dagger. Pricking his finger and letting two blood drops fall onto the piece of blank parchment.
Writing went down the page in dark red. The family tree started with his grandfather. Printing their names and the titles if they had one. It felt like forever before it went to his and Sirius’ names, even though it was only a second or so. Expecting to see ‘Heir’ next to his name in bold…but he only found ‘second son’. Walburga gasped sharply. Regulus’ stomach dropped, eyes darting to…
“Sirius Arcturus Black: Heir to the house of Black”
Regulus almost fell into his chair. Walburga immediately spoke sharply. “What is the meaning of this?! How is HE the heir still?!” The woman's voice became more shrill as she spoke. Regulus barely heard her, only hearing the blood rushing in his years. Leaning forward in his chair, hands in his hair. Milborn and Walburga argued, the dark wizard did not hear a word. His father…Sirius…
The arguing was cut off by a harsh laugh from the second son. Boarding on hysterics in its tone. Breaking down in a fit of giggles that made Milborn and his mother look at him with varying degrees of worry. Regulus couldn't say he was surprised, why did he not realize it?! It had gone on so long that Walburga had started shaking Regulus. “Regulus! Snap out of it!” the dark wizard smacked her hands away. Making the woman jump back in surprise. Regulus getting up suddenly and pacing. “Don't touch me!” the man snapped with a glare. Walburga rubbed her hands as she looked at her son like he had grown a head. To shocked herself to be angry.
“Sirius is supposed to be disowned! You burnt his face off the family tapestry. Did you not think to ask father if he actually disowned his favorite son?!” he yelled at his mother. Walburga in turn got defensive. “Of course I did! He said it was done! Orion would never lie to me” she said vehemently, denying what was right in front of her.
The son in a bold move got in her face. Making Walburga blanch and step back. “Look me in the eye Mother…do you really think father would make me? His second son. The heir to his house?” Regulus asked with venom.
Walburga opened and closed her mouth a few times. “He…he loved you Regulus-” which made the man scoff. Turning away from his mother. “Don't lie to me! He always liked Sirius more. He always hoped he would come back! As if Sirius would suddenly have a change of heart!”
Regulus said hoarsely, voice tight as he kept himself from breaking. Running a hand over his face. His mother stayed silent. Not knowing how to respond to her son. He spent his whole life having his father look at him, like he had no potential. He was just a second son to his father…a spare he didn't need. “Bring Sirius here,” Regulus said suddenly. Walburga made a noise of protest but he silenced her with a look. Looking and Milborn. “Summon Sirius here now”
Sirius stood next to Remus, the last few days had been trying. When Sirius had been told he wasn't allowed to go to the funeral he had put on a brave front. Saying he was fine with that. But when he was alone with Remus, he looked exhausted. “How could she…” he had muttered brokenly as he leaned into the werewolf.
And just like then, the day Regulus was to be made head of house. Sirius was quiet, unlike himself. Remus stuck close to him. Knowing his lover would open up when he was ready. Looking out their bay window in the living room. Grinding his teeth.
“Something doesn't feel right, moony…” he confessed. Making Remus look up from his book, sitting nearby. Closing the book gently. “It will all work out I'm sure. What are you thinking?” the Animagus flopped down into the seat next to Remus. “I…I don't know…something just doesn't feel right about today” the dark wizard said with frustration. Remus rubbed his knee. Sirius was almost always right about his gut feelings. The dark creature was about to say something when there was a harsh rapping on their front door.
Sirius was on his feet in an instant and opening the door. Going stiff when he saw who was there. Remus came up behind him and looked perplexed. “Milborn…um…why are you here? What…”
The usually very put together man looked haggard and unorganized. “I need you in my office. Now” the wizard basically demanded. Sirius’ brows shot to his hairline. “What?! What the hell do you mean? Regulus is supposed to-” Milborn cut him off. “I can't discuss it here my lord! Just…come” Milborn said and walked off the porch and to the apparition point. Sirius looked flabbergasted. Looking at Remus then back at the Solicitor.
Grabbing his coat quickly. Kissing Remus hurriedly. “Whatever it is, you can't come with. As much as i love you-”
“I know,” Remus said with a wry smile. He knew how the Black family was. Sirius nodded and quickly followed after Milborn. Milborn was sweating. If this got out, that he fumbled this bad…his reputation, no, his life would be ruined! He must make this disappear.
The tension in Milborn’s office was so bad. Sirius had thought another person might die. Regulus sat in a chair, hands steepled in front of his face. Walburga is pale and unmoving. Even when Sirius entered, his mother usually had something to say about him. But she said and did nothing. There was a pit settling in the Animagus’ stomach. “What's the meaning of all this?” Sirius asked nervously as he looked at the three of them.
No one answered him. The silence was deafening. Feeling his heart rate pick up. Looking at the desk, seeing the paperwork and lordship ring untouched. Too far away to see the dark red letters of Regulus’ inheritance test. Turning to his younger brother. “Regulus…what is happening?” Sirius said, voice shaky. Milborn was the one to finally break out of whatever tension this was. Handing Sirius the only parchment of Regulus’ test. Feeling his heart plummet.
“You did something…” Walburga muttered suddenly. Glaring at Sirius with an anger he hadn't seen in years. She stood up suddenly, wand in her grip. Screaming now “you did something! This must have been you! Orion would not lie to me!” Sirius flinched back. Milborn held the woman back. Clearly in denial. Sirius felt anger surge to the surface. “I would never undermine my brother! I never even wanted to be the head! Don't you ever accuse me of going behind Regulus’ back again you-” he cut himself off. Eyes blazing. He felt his blood boil, that she would even insinuate he would betray his brother.
No matter his faults, no matter what he did in the past. He would never hurt his little brother. Looking at Regulus pleadingly. “You know I would never…right Regulus?” Sirius said nervously, hoping Regulus would not believe such nonsense. The man in question had not moved an inch. Expression unreadable. Walburga yanked hearself free, straightening herself before sitting back down with her arms crossed angrily. Itching to use her wand.
Regulus finally looked up at his older brother. Nodding after a long moment. He knew Sirius had never wanted the position, despised being forced into the role. “I know…” the older man gave a breath of relief. Gripping Regulus’ shoulder for both of their support. Walburga was purple in the face. “How could you believe him?! Your father-” Regulus stopped her. “You don't know anything,” he said coldly, detached. The look in his eye made Walburga hesitate.
Getting up he looked at his older brother. “Father is dead. You're able to transfer the heirship freely since there is no head of family. We would only need a reason you aren't fit to be head. You being estranged and disowned in all but name will be enough” Regulus said with little expression. Looking at Milborn, which made the man nod nervously.
“Where do I sign?” Sirius’ voice was determined. Milborn took out a piece of paper. “Seal it with your fingerprint and magical signature.” Sirius did so without a word. Slicing his finger and putting his bloody thumbprint a little too harshly onto the parchment. Walburga stayed silent. After a moment they did another test on Regulus. And now instead of ‘second son’ it said ‘heir’. Both brothers eased at that. Sirius ran a hand through his hair, collapsing into a seat. Regulus was still angry. It poured off him in waves.
Doing the rest in silence. The lordship ring glowed faintly when Regulus slid it on. The feeling of the black magic settling over him, it felt like it was soothing him. Making him take a deep breath as the small surge of magic receded as it accepted him as the new head of house. Walburga stood after that, a sneer on her face. Regulus didn't turn around to see her go. Only heard her chilly words before she slammed the door behind her. “I don't know who you are anymore Regulus” she said with disgust.
The brothers left together. Leaving Milborn to put himself back together after that fiasco. Standing next to each other in the hall. Sirius glanced at Regulus, his face still unreadable. “About mother-”
“Don't”
Regulus stopped him. Finally looking him in the eye. His stormy grey eyes are glassy. Sucking in a breath. “she never knew me, never knew us Sirius.” he said with a shake of his head. Suddenly pulling his older brother into a hug. Sirius tensing before melting, latching onto Regulus like a lifeline. Sniffling quietly. They haven't hugged each other so easily in years. Not in public. Sirius felt himself break. Silently letting tears fall.
Some part of him felt like Regulus still resented him. A small part. No matter how small, it felt like Regulus would shut him out too. But now…he felt so relieved. Like he finally felt like he would never lose his little brother. Like something good actually came out of their fathers passing. He had felt hollow, numb before. He held Regulus a little tighter. Now he just felt complete, like a storm finally passed and sunlight was finally peeking through…like he could breathe.
The siblings pulled apart after a long while. Both laughed at seeing the tear streaks on their faces. Regulus gripped Sirius’ shoulders. “We’re gonna make sure they know us. The real us. And we're gonna bring back our real family doing it” Regulus said with a glint of determination. Sirius nodded, sharing the same look. “And I'll be there every step of the way little brother”