Chapter 1
Dreams were an escape for Regulus Black. In the deepest parts of his slumber he would see worlds far away from the hell he was stuck in. To enter he would simply follow the white wolf
Why a wolf? That was always what he wondered as he followed the wolf. I mean, his protector could truly be anything but a wolf seemed so silly. At least the fall wasn’t too bad.
His drop into this new land was always a long one but it never hurt. In fact, the fall was always relatively peaceful.
Maybe it wasn’t but when he finally arrived he saw the person he had longed to see for sometime. Only in his dreams was he reunited with his long deceased brother.
Almost 2 years ago his brother was to be wed. It had been a long and frivolous thing to plan but luckily Regulus and Sirius mostly stayed out of it. Sirius went for his fittings and for the ballroom practice with his future bride but that was really it. After long days he would come home and he and Regulus would talk about getting away. Sirius was only 18 and Regulus just 16 but the prospect of escaping the grasp their family had seemed too good to pass up.
Sirius didn’t pass it up when he got the opportunity. In fact, the night before he was to be married he left. Well, actually, he didn’t leave so much as he did disappear. He was there when Regulus went to sleep but early the next morning he was gone.
There were no signs of forced entry, no signs of struggle. It was assumed that he had run away. The only thing that was found was a small gold pocket watch and an ace of spades playing card.
He was assumed missing and the Blacks searched for months for him. Eventually they found him by the Cliffs Of Moher cold and dead. Regulus never did get to see the body. The casket was closed at the funeral and his mother forbade him from seeing him at the morgue.
Fortunately for Regulus, his brother was still very much alive in the dream. His brother greeted the wolf like an old friend and took Regulus to explore high and low. There were many faces, none of which were clear enough to be recognized but Sirius seemed to know them all. There were cats that smiled and caterpillars that smoked. There was an old king who smiled but his smile wasn’t warm but rather cold and calculating. The king did not seem to like regulus one but.
Unfortunately, the dream always ended the same way. The king beheaded Regulus while Sirius stood powerless to watch. There was always a voice screaming out to him and a hand that almost reached him in time. The hand didn’t belong to his brother but to a man whose face Regulus could never recall come morning.
Tonight was almost no different. Regulus followed the wolf down a hole where he saw his brother. Only, this time the wolf became a man. The man had scarring on his face but his smile was warm. He gave Sirius a hug before running off until Regulus couldn’t see him anymore.
Sirius greeted him with a warm hug before they went exploring. Today, all of the animals were personified. The smiling cat became a girl with a lovely grin and fiery red hair. The caterpillar became a guy with a blunt who giggled when Regulus passed.
“Sirius what’s going on?” Regulus whispered as the two approached the castle
“You’ll see Reggie. I’m just introducing you to my friends. You’ll see why soon enough.” Sirius answered with a smile
The castle was the same as ever. The same man with the cold glare. He seemed to be older but angry
Everything was the same except there were faces.
Regulus decided it was fine.
The queen pulled him out of the crowd, Sirius was bound and forced to watch as Regulus was forced into a guillotine.
Suddenly, the door burst open and the man started running.
“Off with his head.” The queen demanded
“Regulus!” the voice called but it was too late. The blade had dropped and made impact the second Regulus met the gaze of the man.
—-
Regulus woke up in a cold sweat. Light was peaking through his curtains and he groaned. He wanted to go back.
“Master Regulus?” An old and tired voice called from outside the door. “Master Regulus, are you awake? You must be getting ready now.”
“I’m awake Kreacher.” Regulus called back, his voice hoarse.
The door creaked open and in walked Charles Kreacher, the servant that the Noble and most Ancient House of Black employeed. He had been working at the house since Regulus was a toddler and had essentially raised both him and Sirius. He was really the only person left that Regulus actually enjoyed being around. He was a shorter man with gray, thinning hair and a soft smile with a chipped front tooth.
“I brought you some tea. Your mother insists on not having anything until you arrive at the party or I would have brought a crumput up as well.”
“This is fine Charles. Thank you. You may be excused. I must be getting ready.” Regulus said, taking the saucer and cup and setting it down on his bedside table.
“As you wish sir.” Kreacher said, leaving and shutting the door softly behind him.
Regulus groaned, pushing himself out of bed. He went over to his curtains and pulled them open. The sky was overcast and looked like it was about to rain. Regulus knew better than to hope for the rain to fall.
He went over to his wardrobe and searched for something simple to wear. He couldn’t be bothered to wear breeches or waistcoats so he found a simple white button up shirt and black trousers. He decided to go without a neck tie and tied up some boots. His mother was bound to be angry but she wouldn’t be able to do much about it once they arrived.
Knowing he was already likely running late, he descended the stairs and headed towards the carriage where his parents were waiting.
His mother eyed his outfit distastefully but signaled the driver to go.
“Must we go?” Regulus asked as the horses began to trot. “I doubt they’ll notice if we never arrive.”
“They will notice.” Walburga spat. “Much like I am noticing your lack of a waistcoat and breeches.”
“I’ve told you before, mother, I am against them.” Regulus said, leaning his head back against the door.
“You are not properly dressed.” Walburga said, angrily. “I cannot believe you. Do you realize how important today is?”
“Who’s to say what is proper?” Regulus retorted. “I mean really mother, what if it was agreed that ‘proper’ was going without clothes at all? Would you go naked? No, i didn’t think y-”
Regulus felt the cold slap on his cheek. His mother looked beyond angry. “Not today Regulus. I will not deal with any of this today. Behave yourself.”
Regulus brought his hand up to his cheek. ‘Sirius would have laughed’ he thought to himself sadly.
“You shall be silent for the remainder of this ride. I will not entertain anymore of your silly ramblings.” Walburga said, turning to glance out the window.
Regulus sighed and leaned against the window. The sky was still gray and the air looked cold.
The ride was a rather long one and when the Blacks arrived, they were greeted by a large sum of people.
“Walburga, Orion!” Mr. Carrow called out “At last! We thought you would never arrive! Regulus, Alecto is waiting to dance with you. Go.”
Regulus spared a glance at his mother who simply glared and turned back to Mr. Carrow.
With a grimace, Regulus turned and walked into the crowd of people dancing. The affair was all outdoors and still, Regulus prayed for rain. As he walked through the crowd, he saw his cousins, Narcissa and Bellatrix who were talking to the Lestrange brothers. Bellatrix had married the older one a year before Sirius disappeared. She was clearly utterly uninterested in him but he was awfully rich. It seemed like the younger one had taken an interest in Narcissa. Only, Narcissa was staring not at him but at the forctuse girl. Narcissa had been rather infatuated with her for sometime but her mother insisted on her marrying the lestrange man.
“Regulus!” A shrill voice called “Regulus, I’m over here.”
Regulus flinched a bit, turning around with a fake smile plastered on his face.
“You’re late! I thought you would never arrive.” Alecto Carrow said with a smile, looping her arm around his.
“Yes, I am sorry about that. You know how it goes of course.”
“Of course. I mean, you must’ve woken up late. You’re hardly dressed. I’ve been up for hours as I’m sure you can tell.” She said, motioning to her rather poofy dress.
It was a rather unfortunate shade of yellow which didn’t do anything good for her skin tone but was clearly very expensive. Regulus nodded “Yes, you look lovely Alecto.”
“I know.” She said, dragging him to her brother and his partner. “Amycus! Look who has finally arrived.”
“Ah, Regulus, we were beginning to think you had run off like your brother.” Amycus said disdainfully. “Come, meet my partner. Regulus, this is Lucielle Yaxley.”
“Lovely to meet you.” Lucielle murmured, curtsying.
“Let’s dance!” Alecto exclaimed. “Please, let’s dance. This whole event has been dreadfully boring and I don’t think I should have to be bored seeing as it is my event.”
Regulus looked at her confused. Her event? I thought it was a stupid spring celebration. What is she celebrating?
“Come Regulus.” She said, once again dragging him away.
They landed on the dance floor where Alecto immediately pulled Regulus into a waltz. Regulus sighed. He had known how to dance since he was young but he hated it more than anything. All it was was a reminder of his brother. He followed the steps, looking up towards the sky. There were birds flying overhead and Regulus smiled mindlessly.
“Ow! That’s my foot!” Alecto exclaimed. “Regulus, where is your head?”
“Oh dear, I’m sorry. I was just wondering what it would be like to fly.”
Alecto looked at him confused. “Why on earth would you wonder a thing like that?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Regulus countered. “My brother used to try to imagine 6 impossible things before breakfast.”
Alecto still looked rather confused but glanced over his shoulder. Regulus turned around and saw his mother still standing with Alecto’s parents. “Let’s go over there for a moment.” Alecto said.
Regulus nodded, following her over there.
“Hello kids,” Mr. Carrow said. “You two can go off and dally for a moment longer but we will need you both under the gazebo in precisely 10 minutes.”
Regulus furrowed his eyebrows. What was going on?
“Yes father.” Alecto said with a smile. “I’ll be back. I have to go and fix my hair. You’ll stick around, won’t you Regulus?”
Regulus nodded, turning around to go and find his cousins.
Narcissa and Bellatrix had separated from the Lestrange brothers and were getting a drink.
“Reggie!” Narcissa called out to him. “Regulus, get over here!”
Regulus approached the two. “Will one of you tell me what is going on? It seems like everyone is aware of something that I don’t know about.”
“Oh yes, we have something to tell you Reggie.” Bella said, smirking.
“Bella, perhaps we shouldn’t, he’s about to find out.” Naricssa said.
“We decided we should already Cissy!” Bella whispered
Narcissa groaned. “If we tell him he won’t be surprised will you Reggie?”
“Not if you tell me.” Regulus said. “But now you’ve brought it up so you must tell me.”
Narcissa looked at bella. “No we don’t. In fact, we won’t.”
Regulus glared at Narcissa. “I wonder if aunt Druella knows that you’ve taken a fancy to the forcutuce girl. I mean, she’s not very high class but she’s very kind. Much like that tonks boy was.”
Narcissa’s expression fell. “You wouldn’t”
Regulus smirked. “Oh but I would. Look, there’s Aunt Druella right now.”
Narcissa turned and looked. When she turned back to Regulus she said, “You and Alecto are going to be engaged by the days end.”
“Does everyone know?” Regulus asked, shocked.
Bellatrix nodded. “Mr. Carrow and your mother have been planning this party for ages. It’s your engagement party. Mr. Carrow will inform you under the gazebo and give you the ring you are to use and then you will go up to the stage and propose in front of everyone.”
“But I don’t want to marry Alecto.” Regulus muttered
Narcissa looked at him with pity. “You’re 18 Regulus. Alecto just turned 20 meaning she can now be wed. Besides, you don’t want to end up like uncle Alphrad.”
Regulus turned. He looked at his uncle who was sitting, watching the party with amusement on his face. Alphard was the main benefactor from the old Black family will. When his father (Also Cygnus and Walburga’s father) passed, he inherited the most and decided to never marry. That’s not to say the other two didn’t make out well but he was always the favorite. In all honesty, Regulus wouldn’t mind being like Alphrad. He lived a lavish life and although the rest of the family wasn’t aware, he had a life partner named Garret Ollivander.
“Besides, it’s not like you're planning on leaving the black estate are you?” Bellatrix asked
Regulus debated in his head. He had always planned on leaving back when Sirius was around but now, he would have nowhere to go. “No, I suppose not.”
Narcissa smiled. “Perfect! Then you’ll marry Alecto.”
Bellartix grinned. “Good. I was worried for a moment that you were considering being like Andromeda.”
Narcissa flinched at the mention of her estranged sister.
Andromeda had been betrothed to the sole heir of the Gaunt fortune around the same time Sirius was to be married. Just before Sirius went missing, Andromeda left her parents a note saying she had fallen in love with a commoner and was getting married to him. Regulus still kept in touch with his cousin. She had just had a child with the man. Regulus couldn’t help but envy her. Sure, she had been cut off but she was so completely happy.
Regulus laughed. “Oh yes, I wouldn't want that to happen.”
“Regulus my boy,” A voice called from behind. “Do walk with me in the gardens for a moment?”
Regulus turned around and saw Mr. Carrow. He nodded and walked over to him. The two walked in silence until they made it to the empty gardens.
“You should know my wife is quite relieved she will not have ugly grandchildren. Most heirs around these parts are so unattractive but not you.” Mr Carrow said.
“Uh - thank you sir.” Regulus nodded. “The flowers are lovely.”
Mr. Carrow glared. “The roses were meant to be red. The gardeners messed up and planted white.”
“You could always paint the roses red.”
“What an odd thing to say.” Mr. Carrow said with furrowed brows. “Anyways there are a few things you should know about my daughter. For one-”
Mr. Carrow continued to talk but Regulus was distracted. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a wolf dressed in a blue tailcoat
“Did you see that?” Regulus interrupted.
“See what?”
“It was a wolf I think.”
“Nasty things.” Mr Carrow remarked. “I do enjoy setting my dogs on them.”
Regulus stared at him for a moment before continuing to walk. Mr carrow droned on but regulus was rather focused on the bushes. Suddenly, he saw it again.
“Did you see it that time?” Regulus asked
“See what?”
“The wolf!” Regulus exclaimed.
“Don’t shout.” Mr. Carrow said, sternly. “Now pay attention boy. You seem to be rather distracted today and we cannot have that.”
Regulus nodded, deciding to ignore it but then he saw it again. “You are right and I could not be more interested but right you’ll have to excuse me. Very sorry.”
Mr. Carrow looked like he was going to say something but Regulus had already taken off, jogging. As he passed a bush he saw his uncle sitting alone at a table.
“Uncle Alphard,” Regulus called, getting the older man's attention. “I think I must be going mad. I keep seeing a wolf in a waistcoat. I recognize him from a dream I keep having.”
Alphard smiled. “A white wolf you say?”
Regulus nodded but then said, “Did I mention it’s coloring?”
“No son, you didn’t.” Alphard said. “Don’t worry, you aren’t going mad. If you see it again you best follow it. Trust me. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing. You must follow it.”
Regulus arched his eyebrow. “Why would I follow the wolf?”
“You say you’ve seen it in your dreams, yes?” He asked and Regulus nodded. “Well then, that’s a sign that it can be trusted. In fact, if you’ve seen it in a dream it is likely here to get you. You know, your brother said something about a wolf years ago and I know for a fact that he followed it. It’s best that you do as well.”
“Regulus!” Alecto called. “Regulus, come to the Gazebo now!”
Regulus looked at Alphard. “Go boy but do remember, follow the white wolf if you see it again no matter what.”
“Yes uncle. I will.” Regulus promised as he took off to the gazebo.
When he arrived, his mother, Alecto and Alectos parents were waiting for him as well as the rest of the party.
His mother approached him first, handing him a large silver engagement band. “This is the black family ring. It has been passed down for generations and now it is your turn to pass it on. Do you understand?”
He nodded.
“Perfect, you two go to the gazebo. It’s time!” Alecto’s mother said, ushering them to the center.
Regulus turned and faced the crowd. There were a lot of people there. They were all watching him very intently.
There was a chime of a spoon against a cup and then a loud voice. “Attention everyone,” Mr. Carrow bellowed. “If you will allow us a few moments of silence it would be much appreciated. The black heir and my daughter have something they would like to share with you all.”
The room went dead silent and Alecto took Regulus’s hand. The silence was intense and Regulus could feel a ringing in his ears. He looked at Alecto who was grinning except, her grin did not quite reach her eyes. He gazed over her shoulder to where his mother stood, stoic and challenging.
“Regulus,” Alecto whispered. “Do it, now.”
Regulus breathed and opened his mouth but before he could say anything, he saw a rustling over to the side. He turned to look and once again, he saw the wolf.
He turned around and saw his uncle who had a knowing smile and was nodding ever so slightly.
He looked back at the wolf who looked like it was about to run again.
“I’m sorry.” Regulus whispered.
“What?” Alecto asked.
“I’m so sorry.”
Regulus fisted the ring and took off past the gazebo, running towards the wolf which had gone into the maze of bushes.
There were gasps in the audience and a loud shriek. “Regulus Black! You get back here!” His mother yelled but he didn’t care anymore. He was gone.
He yelled after the wolf but it didn’t stop. After what seemed like ages, they escaped the Carrow family garden and were now running through the forest that was behind the carrow property line.
Regulus felt the branches hitting his face and snagging on his shirt but he didn’t care. He needed to see the wolf. He needed to make sure he wasn’t crazy.
Finally, the wolf stopped at the top of a large hill by a huge tree.
“You - You’re really here.” Regulus said, catching his breath.
Suddenly, it jumped and it disappeared.
Staggering, Regulus went to where it disappeared. There was a large hole in the tree roots. Regulus bent down to see it.
“Hello?” He called down
Trying to see further, he grabbed a root below for support but right when he put his weight on it, it snapped.
He screamed as he felt himself fall forward into a large black abyss.