#bruh the analyst never should have made a connection between atypical and exceptional

[leogichidaa]

Psychoanalysis Sunday #7

Non-magical AU where Regulus is put in therapy with a psychoanalyst

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Regulus walks into the office and looks around, perplexed. Then he breaks into an uncharacteristic smile. Next to the chaise lounge he had been accustomed to laying on was an upholstered chair. "You redecorated," he says.

"There are several reasons for the sofa," the analyst replies. "None of which are to make you uncomfortable. If you truly hate the sofa, you needn't use it."

"Thank you," Regulus says, sitting down on the chair. He is practically swallowed by it, but he is still smiling.

"You are pleased by this."

Regulus nods. "Yes. You listened to me. Hardly anyone ever listens to me."

"That is what I am here for, Regulus. To listen to you. Have you not found that to be the case?"

Regulus furrows his brow. "But you also did what I wanted. You changed something especially for me. That hardly ever happens either."

"I see," the analyst says. "This simple convenience sends a message to you that you are valued and cared for."

"I suppose."

"You are valued and cared for, Regulus."

Regulus squirms, suddenly uncomfortable. "If you say so," he mutters.

"Why does it unsettle you to hear it said outright?"

"I don't know. It feels...wrong."

"Hmm," the analyst says, writing something on his notepad. "Let us shift gears slightly. I want to return to the incident last week, where your mother left you in the bookstore."

Regulus makes a face. "Must we?"

"I am afraid we must."

Regulus sighs. "What about it?

"You confessed that you enjoyed those hours alone in the bookstore. I have to admit that reaction surprised me."

"It surprised me too," Regulus says.

"And you were ashamed of your reaction."

"Yes. Being away from my family should not make me happy. Being left alone for hours should be distressing, right? You even said it was atypical."

"You are correct, it is unusual. And yes, most children your age would find a separation like that distressing. I think it is a mistake to assume that the fault lies in you, however. Most mothers do not forget about their children for hours at a time."

"It is not her fault!" Regulus says defensively. "It—she is overwhelmed. Sirius is always upsetting her. Anyone would be a bit—"

The analyst holds up a hand. "I did not intend to imply that the fault lies solely in your mother, either. I am merely illustrating that the dynamic in your family is not typical. Therefore, an atypical response from you is, in the context of your family, a natural response."

Regulus sets his jaw. "My family is not typical because we are exceptional. We are better than common folk."

"Do you truly believe that?"

"Yes!"

"You believe that it is a sign that you are exceptional to be abandoned by your mother for half a day?"

Regulus hesitates. "Yes. Perhaps you just cannot understand the way our family operates because you are too common."

"Perhaps. Or perhaps I am better equipped to understand your family objectively because I am not a part of it."

"No. What you think about my family is wrong. They are good people, the best people."

"Why, then, were the best six hours of your life the hours that you spent alone and away from your family?"

Regulus' face is hot with anger and, despite his best efforts, tears are streaming down his face. He does not have an answer for this question. "I love my family," he chokes out finally.

"I know you do," the analyst says softly. "It is possible to love a thing and recognize its imperfections, though. Every family has areas for improvement, no matter how exceptional."

Regulus wipes away his tears, but they keep spilling out. "I love my family," he repeats. He can think of nothing else to say.