building from the snake's pit
Regulus, to nobody’s surprise, makes prefect. “Congratulations, Reg,” Blair enthuses. “Dumbledore made the perfect choice.”
“I suppose they thought you’d be too stuck up to even talk to the firsties,” Sirius teases Blair.
Blair scoffs. “They’re not wrong.”
She swats at Sirius playfully. “I may no longer be a blood purist, brother, but I’m still upper class.”
-
The next school year, Sirius’s last, starts off smoother than expected.
Potter isn’t too bothered that Sirius is suddenly taking his heirship seriously. He is too preoccupied with his new duties as Head Boy. He barely even needles Lily Evans, who is unsurprisingly, Head Girl. Lupin does eye Sirius curiously, but doesn’t probe. Pettigrew is as oblivious as ever.
Regardless, not even Dumbledore can complain about Sirius’s newfound sense of duty. Sirius ensures that there is not even a whiff of suspicion that he is involved in dark dealings. He will be their link to the side of the light, after all.
It is Regulus and Blair who make overtures to the people they know will be future Death Eaters. Regulus surrounds himself with other heirs of dark-aligned families, although he insists that Humphrey join them. Behind Humphrey’s back, some of the heirs joke that he is Regulus’s pet mudblood.
As expected, Humphrey still avoids Blair studiously. Blair tries not to get caught glancing at him.
Meanwhile, she keeps her posse around her at all times - Cissa, Penelope Parkinson, Warrington’s sister, and all the other girls in their year. If they are surprised that her presence is more conspicuous, they do not comment. In an attempt to ingratiate herself with their families, Blair even gossips with them more, much to her chagrin.
One day, Cissa tells her that Lucius will take the Mark soon. Blair confides in her that she and Reg are considering it as well, knowing that Cissa will be unable to resist telling Lucius.
Word will reach the Dark Lord sooner rather than later.
A month before the school year draws to a close, Orion writes Regulus and Blair:
“Prepare yourselves. The Dark Lord wishes to make your acquaintance.”
It’s time.