Chapter 2
The compartment door slammed open abruptly leading Regulus to clench the sides of his book tightly. His thoughts cluttered as he turned his head to see Evan and Barty drop in, having lost their balance as the train had begun moving the moment they opened the door. Regulus felt a slight smile curl on his lips before he forced it back. He raised his brow as Evan, flushed in the face with gleaming brown eyes, stared up at him, mouth slightly agape before Barty shoved him forwards and they tumbled in the compartment all of the way, the door rushing closed behind them. Regulus huffed, rolling his eyes at the two trying to ignore the harsh beating of his heart, but humming softly as he aided in pulling them up before shoving them against the opposite seats. His sudden reaction was expected given what had been occurring this summer, but it was unwelcome nonetheless.
"Well, that was rather dramatic, I have to say. I never thought you'd share Evan's love for theatrics, Bartimus," The latter flushed a slight red, but Evan gave a light laugh at Regulus' remark. It was truly towards both of their expense, and though they both knew it they also brushed it off. Both Purebloods knew how difficult the summer had been for Regulus, and so they did not take any barbed insults at their pride or ego to heart. They knew he was going through something that very few Purebloods truly had to deal with. After all, having more than one child to a pureblood was not as common as many would think. The Blacks were notorious for having more family than any purebloods, and it was suspected they took fertility potions and such to help. However, even with such things, not many purebloods could carry more than one child, the Malfoys', for instance. Still, it was uncommon despite that to change Heir's so suddenly. Many would say that Regulus had been more fit for the position, and had in the past, though Regulus could not help but feel as though he was woefully unfit despite what other Pureblood families said.
"oh, Reg, you know how it is." Evan said with a smirk. He placed a hand on Bartimus, a hard handed slap on the shoulder. "I am such a wonderful influence on this individual you know that." Barty rolled his own eyes towards Evan's words, but did not say anything contrary. He was watching Regulus carefully, and Regulus knew why. As grateful as he was to have friends ensuring he can pass Slytherin assessments, he was not entirely fond of his friends looking at him like that. It was not fun for him, and he definitely was not liking it. It left shivers down his spine. Still, he was going to have to deal with these looks eventually, and it was best to get used to them now rather than later, when it would be more crucial.
"I should have figured, of course." Regulus said, an elegant shrug of his left shoulder. He shot a smirk at his friends. "You always were quite the influence on each other. Mores the pity." Barty and Evan gave out a hushed laugh but shook their heads at Regulus' words. They knew that Regulus was dealing with something. They knew that his brother had left on rather awful terms too, but it was scary to see him look like this. So harsh, so cold. Evan knew that he had warned Regulus about the same thing, but he was nerve wrecked. He had not expected Regulus to look so...so cold. Perhaps most would not be able to tell the difference between how he normally was and how he was now, but he did...he could. He knew that Crouch was able to see the difference as well. It caused them to shudder in their bones.
"Mores the pity? Hey, we are wonderful influences!" Regulus huffed, half rolling his eyes at Rosier's words. It was almost hilarious, if he thought that through. He gave the two a slight smile, one which quickly dropped the moment the door was opened once again, and he saw his mother's eyes staring back at him...but it was not his mother, it was Sirius. The traitor. His eyes narrowed, his body stiff, and anger waved through his body so thickly he saw Sirius' shock and concern. The next thing he knew Evan and Barty swiftly moved in front of him, Evan shoving Sirius out of the car, and the two exiting the compartment with the four friends. Regulus was grateful. He definitely did not want to worry about his mother realizing he broke her rule before they even got to Hogwarts in the first place.
He did not want to hear what was being said, or being talked about. He knew that it was unlikely to be present, knowing Evan's penchant for protective fury and verbal incineration. He was quite glad to not be on Evan's wrong side at this moment. He knew Bary was more likely to throw curses or fights, but either way...it doesn't matter. Regulus rather harshly turned back a page in his book and resolutely set to reading.
It was better than trying to figure out what Evan and Barty were saying.