Year 0
Year 0:
August 1971
The very first time Regulus Arcturus Black met Hermione Evans was not on the train bound to Hogwarts for their first year, but in Flourish and Blotts while waiting for his older brother to buy the required books in his list. Sirius is going to Hogwarts for the first time and Regulus have mixed feelings regarding the fact.
Regulus is excited just like Sirius for finally getting his Hogwarts letter, however, he is also feeling down because Sirius would be leaving soon for Hogwarts. He feared they will no longer be closer once Sirius found a friend of his own.
Regulus felt reluctant to part with him, and have an urge to cling to Sirius.
"Nothing will change, Reggie!" Sirius said, laughing before putting a hand on his hair and messing it up.
Regulus smiled shyly at Sirius, holding on to his promise that nothing will change.
"How about going to Diagon with us?" He offered, and Regulus accepted swiftly.
So, he accompanied his mother and Sirius to Diagon Alley to buy the school supplies Sirius would need in Hogwarts.
After getting Sirius' uniform, robes and all he would need for his Potions Class, they stopped at Flourish and Blotts to purchase the books in the list accompanying Sirius' acceptance letter to Hogwarts.
Regulus' silver eyes roamed around the first floor of the shop while ignoring how his mother was scolding Sirius, who was itching to go to Gambol and Japes since passing by the said shop on their way to Flourish and Blotts.
To avoid getting scolded by their mother, too, Regulus decided to wander around while perusing the books that interested him. The books on the second floor, he'd thought, were more fascinating, so there Regulus went.
However, instead of a book, Regulus found Hermione Evans. The first thing he noticed about her was her strawberry blonde curls that was almost swallowing her whole and then, the book she was reading; it's about Ancient Runes. Distracted by her hair and reading material, Regulus certainly did not notice her muggle attire.
If he had, he would not dare talk to her nor approach her, given his mother's presence downstairs. But, he did not, so he engaged her in discussion about the important uses of runes in rituals and curse-breaking. She showed him in-depth knowledge about the subject, so Regulus simply assumed she's like him — a pureblood with vast collection of books in her family's library available to her.
They were in the middle of debating about the effectiveness of runes in wardings too, when Sirius found them huddling together, deep in their discussion.
Unlike Regulus, Sirius noticed the potential intellectual friend of Regulus is obviously a mudblood from her clothing. But, Sirius, as he was, did not mention this to his brother.
Sirius simply assumed that Regulus knew, and he's proud for his brother's deviation from the awful and horrid teaching of the hag masquerading as their mother. It was misplace, Sirius will later learn.
Because at the age of ten, Regulus still believes that Walburga Black is always right: that mudbloods are filthy vermin, among one of her many teachings.
"Mudbloods are abominable creatures! They are trying to destroy our traditions and cultures, hence, they do not deserve to be part of our world."
Walburga would always tell her sons after interacting with their Uncle Alphard, who would regularly interact with mudbloods.
Sirius would shake his head rebelliously to spite their mother while Regulus would nod dutifully.
Just like how the sky is blue and the grass is green, their mother always know what is best for him and Sirius; she is always right, so Regulus did what is only right, which his young mind understood.
They are from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. The purest of purebloods, and they bow to no one nor consort with a mudblood.
However, on that second floor of Flourish and Blotts, Regulus unknowingly talked to a mudblood and he enjoyed it to the point of ignoring his surroundings.
Sirius had to clear his throat just to gain his baby brother's attention, who looked up and saw the mischievous smirk on his older brother's face.
"Enjoying yourself, Reggie?" Sirius teased while the curly-haired girl beside Regulus tilted her head, biting her lips with a frown.
Regulus flushed glancing at the girl beside him, who was now looking at him as if she is seeing him in a new light?
He couldn't understand why she have that kind of look on her cute face. Is it because she recognised him as a member of House Black?
Regulus didn't think so. She would have said something if she did recognise him earlier.
She smiled at him, and Regulus found his face and ears heating up once again. Her smile is so bright, and she is so pretty, he thought absently.
She held her hand in his direction. Regulus swallowed before reaching for her hand.
It was warm and soft.
She opened her lips, "I'm—"
"Hermione!"
They heard someone, a girl, shrieking from the direction of the stairs.
The curly-haired girl smiled, blithely, at the noise.
"—Hermione. That's me. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you." She—no, Hermione said while lightly squeezing Regulus' hand, which he found confusing. She let go of his hand, and Regulus almost caught it again. "Well then, goodbye. Have a nice day, you two."
Then, she left just like that. Regulus' silver eyes followed her disappearing back and he frowned. Why did she leave so rudely? He haven't properly introduced himself to her yet nor gave her his greeting!
Regulus blinked several times and when he looked at his brother for answers, his brother is just grinning widely at him. It's as if Sirius knew something he did not.
"It looks like ickle Reggie is growing up, fancying and charming ladies now, eh?" Sirius said with a bark of laughter.
"I do not!" Regulus denied, blushing more deeply, walking away from the snickering Sirius.
Sirius caught up with him and slinging an arm around his shoulder while grinning at his baby brother.
"After getting my wand in Ollivanders, we will need to convince Lady Dragon to buy us new brooms in the Quidditch shop!" He told Regulus of his plan, excitedly.
Regulus smiled wryly, "If mother heard you calling her that, she would not allow us."
But, there is a skip in Regulus' step as he, too, felt excited to look at new brooms.
Sirius pulled him closer to him as the two Black Brothers walked down the stairs. A pair of teal eyes watching them unknown to them both as they left with their mother.
September 1971
It was only a month later, on September the first, when Regulus learned that the girl he conversed with in Diagon Alley is nothing but a mudblood.
Their parents had just sent off Sirius, who boarded the train to look for a place to sit in, while father left him with mother when he saw a friend in the station.
Regulus was just trying to not be sad at Sirius' departure to Hogwarts soon when he saw a familiar strawberry blonde curls.
It's Hermione!
He was about to call her when he saw who she was with, paling at what he had seen.
She is standing with her obviously muggle parents with a surly-looking older girl and a red-head girl who looked to be boarding the train soon. Regulus felt like he was hit by a stray bludger in the chest because he cannot breathe.
His friend is not a friend, at all. Hermione is a mudblood! His mother will avada him if she found out he interacted with her!
"Muggles and mudbloods!" He heard his mother sneering in disgust before pulling him away. "Come, Regulus, we must not breathe the same air. Filth that they are!"
Regulus was forced to follow his mother, still reeling at the fact his potential friend was not his friend…
He gave Hermione a last glance before he walked away.
x-x
"A Gryffindor! What a disgrace! I ought to punish that rebellious child!"
Regulus heard his mother's shriekings as the news of Sirius' sorting arrived at their house. Sirius is a Gryffindor, and Regulus was not surprised. Their mother, however, held hope that he would be sorted in the Slytherin House, where all the Blacks are sorted.
Regulus tucked a book in his arm that he had taken from the library, bumping with his father on his way out to read the book in his room. Now that his brother is away at Hogwarts, Regulus has nothing to do in his free time.
He did not want to be left in his own mind, still shocked at his earlier discovery of his not-friend's unfortunate blood status. So, Regulus went to the library and picked up a book he had reached first.
"Father," Regulus whispered, not daring to raise his voice in case mother heard him.
Orion Black stared at his youngest son, impassively. Father and son heard some breaking of vases and wooden furniture.
"Be careful on your way out, Regulus." His father said before going inside the library.
Regulus watched his father's back before quieting his steps on his way to his room, holding his breath and only taking a huge gulp of air once he was in the safety of his room.
Once he settled on his bed, he cracked the book open and felt his heart lurching: "The Art of Rune Magic".
Regulus took a deep breath before a little thought suddenly came to his mind.
How did Hermione knew about rune magic better than him if she's a mudblood? What on Merlin's name is she?
—
Dear Reggie,
I am pleased to inform you, baby brother, that I'm sorted in the House of the brave! Sirius Orion Black is officially a Lion! You should see our common room! Everything is red and gold, but it's so warm.
I love it here, Reggie.
I have three roommates! James Potter, Aunt Dorea's nephew, and Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. I met James on the train and we became fast friends!
He's a fun person, that James Potter.
Also, I met cousin Harry, Aunt Dorea's youngest son. He's in Slytherin and in Cissa's year. He's okay for a Slytherin according to James and I'm inclined to believe him when cousin Harry pointed some interesting facts about Hogwarts. Can't believe a bloke like him is a snake, but so is Andy, now that I think about it.
Anyway, how are you? Mother is not being a breathing-dragon now, is she? Just stay away from her, if you could. I will be home soon before you know it.
Your Brother,
Sirius
October 1971
Ever since Sirius got sorted in Gryffindor, Walburga Black's temper became rather short and she became quick of her wand. To escape her stifling presence, Orion took Regulus on a trip with a believable excuse of teaching him about the family business.
His father did taught him a little about the source of the Black Family fortune, in case mother asked him, but their short reprieve was mostly spent in Prewett Palace where his Aunt Lucretia resides with her family.
In those four days, Regulus felt at peace and relaxed. Like, he didn't need to wait for punishment just for breathing loud in the room. And whenever he felt like it, he could fly around the garden with cousin Oberon's Nimbus 1001.
It seemed his older cousin likes to collect brooms and bought the recently released Nimbus 1200 and brought the broom with him to Hogwarts.
"That boy likes his brooms and Quidditch a little too much!" Aunt Lucretia griped to him while making him sit with her for some afternoon tea. "I hope he puts as much of his passion in his studies as he does with Quidditch."
"Aunt Tia, you could try to take Quidditch out of boys, but you cannot take boys out of Quidditch." Regulus quipped, nibbling a freshly baked chocolate chip biscuit.
His Aunt only shook her head, huffing in annoyance. The best part about it is that, Regulus could just be… him… around her. He didn't have to expect hexes thrown his way when he said something wrong to his aunt.
—
Dear Reggie,
You wouldn't believe what happened last night! The Prewett Twins and cousin Ron made a grand spectacle in the Great Hall during dinner! They charmed some knight statues and made them dance to muggle catchy songs that boomed loudly through the Hall, even Dumbledore joined with the mad dancing. It was simply glorious!
Me and my roommates aspire to be great at pranks just like them and we're already planning to do some.
I can't wait for you to join us next year. I bet it would be great!
How is your trip with father? I am glad you got away from the she-hag, however brief it was. I will see you on Yule and maybe we could sneak out and see muggle London.
Love,
Sirius
PS. Don't tell Aunt Tia about cousin Ron's involvement in the prank. He got detention for it from McGonagall. The Prewett Twins proclaimed it worth it, though.
November 1971
Dear Sirius,
Happy Birthday, brother! I hope you find the book that I sent to you helpful in your future plans in "Mischief Making", as you kindly put it. There are interesting colour-changing charms and enlargement spells that you can time as you desire.
I managed to ask Kreacher to make your favourite chocolate cake. Share it to your friends, if you like. I hope to see you soon, Siri.
Yours Ever,
Regulus
P.S. Did mudbloods usually know about Ancient Runes before they even received their Hogwarts letter? I will tell you that I am asking for a friend, however, I believe you already knew who I am referring to.
—
Reggie,
Thank you for the gifts. But, can you not use that word ever again? It's not nice. I met lots of muggleborns, and the one in my House is a brilliant witch. Lily Evans. James likes to tease her, but I think he's crushing on her.
Also, Lily Evans seemed to be the older sister of your friend, Hermione. Reggie, you don't believe what mother spouted, are you? It's all rubbish! I'm telling you! Lily's already talented witch, the first in our year to perform spells, and if I am a betting man, I would bet her sister is the same. You've talked to her. You know it.
I have come to realise since coming to Hogwarts that they are not so different from us, Reggie. Before, I only disagree with mother because I felt like it but I've come to realise that muggleborns aren't what mother described them.
I hope you get to form your own opinion about them, Reggie. Just like I did. I will always be here for you, little brother.
Your Brother,
Sirius
December 1971
Regulus was standing with his mother as they waited for Sirius in Platform Nine and Three Quarters.
While his mother was approached by the ladies she occasionally had tea with, he's looking around the station before he saw Hermione with her muggle family few feet away from him and his mother. Regulus is fixated on her while she sat on one of the benches with her ankles cross and a book on her lap, which looked more like a magic tome due to its size. Her strawberry blond curls escaping from the black ribbon she'd used to gather them away from her pretty face. Although, some strawberry curls are escaping from its confine, they framed her lovely face.
Regulus didn't know it, but a small smile is forming on his lips as he observed her, and before he knew it, she was lifting her head up to stare straight at him; silver eyes met teal ones. They stared at each other for a brief moment before Regulus looked away immediately, not wanting to get caught by his mother for staring at… her.
He was saved by the arrival of the scarlet train. Regulus perked up, his eyes looking around to find Sirius among the Hogwarts students going home for Yule holiday.
"Siri!" Regulus called before he could stop himself upon seeing Sirius, not noticing the three boys and two older boys behind him.
"Regulus!" Walburga chastised her son for acting uncouth.
Regulus stiffened and felt dread for the punishment he will certainly receive. He saw Sirius frowning as he got near them. Regulus pressed his lips but Sirius pulled him to introduce him to his friends. Their mother was about to scold them, but she was distracted by the two older students with Sirius.
"Aunt Walburga," He heard cousin Oberon as he got near with Aunt Dorea's youngest son, Harry, who Regulus only managed to recognise because of his face in the Black Tapestry.
Walburga greeted them, and seeing the Slytherin tie on her Aunt Dorea's son, in Sirius' company, she felt pacified. Good. Sirius hadn't strayed from being a Black despite his unfortunate sorting.
"Oberon," Walburga said with a graceful nod, wrinkling her nose in disgust at the Gryffindor son of her sister-in-law. Then, she laid her eyes on Harry. "You must be Aunt Dorea's son. Harry, was it?"
The Potter with the smokey grey eyes of a Black smiled at Walburga, "Harry Potter, Cousin Walburga."
Walburga couldn't hide the disdain on her face at the boy's name. Obviously named after the muggle-loving Henry Potter. Her Aunt must have lost her mind! She named both her sons after such disgrace! Despite his namesake, however, Harry is Slytherin. It was something that redeemed him in the eyes of Lady Walburga Black.
"I see you have met Sirius. I hope you do continue guiding him as a befitting heir of the House of Black." Walburga said.
Regulus darted his eyes towards the only Slytherin student amidst the red and gold. He saw cousin Harry's lips curling up into something secretive.
"Of course, cousin. I will be happy to guide Sirius to become the perfect Black heir."
Regulus frowned, but their mother looked satisfied. Cousin Oberon was just grinning beside Cousin Harry, who threw Regulus a wink when he noticed his eavesdropping.
Regulus looked away the second time, his silver eyes landed on Hermione without his meaning. She was already staring at them with a strange look on her face before she was forced to tear her eyes away when he saw her almost getting tackled by a blur of black and red.
When Regulus forced himself to leave her form, he saw his older cousin, Oberon, is tilting his head while frowing at the scene, where Regulus was just looking at.
"It's nice to meet you, Regulus." He heard his name, so Regulus looked up.
"Pleasure, Cousin Harry." Regulus said as he was taught by mother who smiled with approval.
Sirius looked at his mother like he tasted something sour, his friends snickering at Sirius' reaction.
"Enjoy the holidays!" The older Slytherin Prefect said before departing with Cousin Oberon.
Regulus was so distracted that he had not paid proper attention to the conversation between his mother and cousin. It seemed Regulus was so hyperaware of Hermione's presence. What sorcery did she use?! And how had she done it?
Who is she, really?
Hermione can't be a mudblood. Regulus thought as he watched Sirius bid farewell and happy holidays to his friends. Then, he discreetly glanced at her direction. He found that they were no longer there and Regulus frowned at himself when he felt a little dejected she wasn't there anymore.
1971 is a strange year for ten years old Regulus Black, and it's all because of a peculiar girl he met in Flourish and Blotts.