#regulus Studied. those parenting books

[sommerregenjuniluft]

@jegulus-microfic feb 12 - fireside - 1k words

aka teenager!Harry and jeggy dads comforting him

Regulus startles awake at the sound of the front door and blinks his eyes open to Harry standing before it, shoulders tense and a deep crease between his brows. He slips into a little more sheepish expression when he realises he’s just woken Regulus up.

James is still snoring lightly next to him, one arm thrown over his head and shirt rucked up to expose the wide happy trail over his belly.

“Sorry,” Harry mumbles, visibly gnawing on the inside of his cheek as he kicks off his converse.

“That’s okay,” Regulus responds, voice raspy from residual sleep, and he watches Harry stiffly hang his jacket and then just stare back at their front door like it personally offended him.

Regulus sniffs and detangles himself from James’ big, heavy arm half thrown around his shoulders to get up. Harry only swivels his head once Regulus comes up right behind him, plush slippers shuffling against the hardwood floor.

The hard line looks even deeper up close and Regulus’ heart clenches with it as Harry looks up at him with a stormy kind of torment in his beautiful, big eyes. He clasps his son’s neck with a palm and tugs him into motion, nodding down the hall. 

“Kitchen,” he decides and Harry nods, letting himself be guided into the adjacent room.

Regulus seats him on one of the stools at the kitchen island and tugs a few scratch cards from the mail on the counter in front of him. Harry pulls his wallet out of his jeans’ back pocket, letting it slap down on the tabletop before grabbing it again and rummaging for a fitting coin as Regulus goes to grab two mugs for them. 

He grabs Harry’s favourite—a birthday present from Ron and Hermoine engraved with a bunch of pictures of them, the handle and inside dark red��and then the curvy white one with a cat wearing sunglasses sketch art for himself. Regulus pours milk and pops them into the microwave.

When he turns Harry is furiously rubbing away on the sweepstakes, already through his third and bouncing his knee restlessly in his seat.

Regulus lets him do as he needs, watching him as he waits for the microwave to ping. He grabs the honey from the shelf, fishes for a spoon in the cutlery drawer and assembles their hot beverage once the mugs are ready to be taken out.

The spoon is clinking against the ceramic as Regulus mixes in the viscous sugar and when he turns to join his son, Harry is already standing in front of him, expression troubled, still.

His back to the kitchen light Regulus can see Harry’s eyes glassy behind his specs so he puts the mugs down on the counter again and opens his arms for Harry to step into.

His son goes immediately, slumping forward and wrapping his arms loosely around his back, forehead coming down on the top of Regulus’ shoulder with a heavy sigh. Regulus cups the back of his head, fingers scratching soothingly and the other hand driving long strokes up and down his back. His hoodie smells smoky, his hair too—he must have been at the fireside with his friends again.

“Bad evening?” Regulus mumbles into the black bird’s nest of his son’s hair.

Harry ruts his forehead against him in a nod, grunting an affirmative.

Regulus sighs, “I’m sorry about that, bug.”

There’s a sniffle, more nodding and Regulus suspects Harry is carefully choosing not to use his voice again lest it breaks.

“Want to tell me about it?”

Harry lifts his head and Regulus’ hands go to cup his cheeks. “Maybe later,” he answers with a shrug, eyes averted.

“Of course,” Regulus nods, swiping his thumbs over Harry’s temples.

“It’s just–” he breaks off with a huff and Regulus ducks his head to catch his gaze.

“Just…?”

Harry takes a deep breath, “There’s someone.” He scrunches his nose so hard is dislodges his glasses, “They’re fucking infuriating, honestly.”

“Okay,” Regulus nods. He lightly narrows his eyes, “In a feelings kind of way?”

Harry groans bitterly at that, head tipping back and eyes clamping shut. “I hate being a teenager.”

The corners of his lips tug but Regulus reigns it in quickly enough before Harry sees. He rakes his fingers through his son’s hair instead and pulls him into a fierce forehead kiss.

Harry sighs explosively and simply returns back to the embrace just when James, expression sleep bleary and hair somehow more awful than their sons, shuffles into the kitchen, scratching through the hair on his stomach. They exchange a quick glance once James blinks the situation into consciousness, noticing the violated scratch cards and probably the smell of sweetened milk in the air as well.

“I love you, baby,” Regulus mumbles in a remindful tone, arms squeezing around their son.

Harry’s hair tickles Regulus’ nose when he nods. “I know.”

James drapes himself over Harry’s back, his hands sliding along Regulus waist and down until he can comfortably hook his thumbs into the waistband of Regulus’ sweats. “Love you, Hazza,” his husband mumbles, voice firm despite the sleep clinging to it and his beard scratching against the lining of Harry’s hoodie.

Regulus kisses the crown of his head and then the side of Harry’s.

They make an additional mug for James—with double the amount of honey for his husband because that glorious dad-stomach doesn’t come from just anywhere—and then all pile on the couch, huddled close together under the throw blanket as James puts on Brooklyn99 on Netflix.

Regulus’ arm is numb in a matter of ten minutes and James is back asleep in a matter of five. The soft snoring seems to be great background white noise though because they barely get through one episode when Harry’s breaths start coming slower as well where he’s cuddled into their sides.

He clicks the TV off, sinking deeper into the sofa cushions and when Regulus falls asleep it’s to the sounds of his family and the smell of warm honey and a whiff of smokey bonfire. 

They should make smores tomorrow.

[starrystormwritings]

Approval

Approval

Master List <3 Request list <3 Marauders Master List

Regulus Black x Slytherin! Potter! Reader

A/n: This had no plot as I began writing it I had no idea what I was doing and just winged it. I'm desperately looking for requests because I have no ideas at the moment lol. Anyway this is my first time writing anything Harry Potter/ Marauders so if anything is ooc let me know and bare with me <3

Summery: You and Regulus have been keeping your relationship secret from fear of your brother and his friends approval.

Warnings: Swearing, judgment, a little ooc (James and Sirius come across kind of mean I cant lie), reader is James's sister but no mention of their parents or appearance so you can imagine being adopted.

Word Count: 2367

(NOT MY GIF)

"Hey guys!" I said with a smile, taking a seat next to my brother and his friends at the Gryffindor table for breakfast.

"Why were you talking to him?" James asked me with a frown, my brother has forever hated the Slytherin house and as much as I can't blame him when I see the way that some of them act I also feel as if I need to defend them, seeming as it is my house.

James was devastated when the sorting hat placed me in Slytherin.

He spent weeks arguing with Professor Mcgonigal about how it was wrong and how I needed a do over because there is no way his 'good hearted and kind little sister could be one of those snakes'

I'd be lying if I said it didn't sting a little, I fit in with the other Slytherins in my year and made friends easily. I stayed away from the ones who shared the likes and opinions of people like Snape because I couldn't bring myself to be friends with people with such hurtful and outdated views.

But a lot of the people I met were nice and friendly.

But James would refuse to ever see that.

"I was taking to him because he's my friend, and we were walking to breakfast together." I said with a roll of my eyes, leaning over to grab myself some food.

"You are not friends with that snake." James said with a look of disgust.

He went to continue his complaints but Sirius cut him off.

"Evan Rosier is one of my brothers friends. Stay away from him." He said with a frown glaring over at the Slytherin table over my shoulder.

"Well even though he is your brothers friend he's also mine. I know shocking crossover for you. He's a nice guy, we do potions study sessions together and he's helped me with charms. He's a nice enough guy." I shook my head at Sirius with a frown, fed up of having the same conversation again and again.

"He's a pure blood Y/n." James said with a frown.

"And so are we, and Sirius." I said with a chuckle, looking to Remus for help but he just looked straight back down at his book.

"Yeah but we're not like them. They're mean and well snakes." James said, trying to keep his voice down despite his growing annoyance.

"They're family's made them like that. Not everyone could get away like Sirius luckily did. Evans a nice enough guy, and if he wasn't you know I'd stop talking to him."

"Yeah but-" James started before I cut him off.

"Remus help me here please." I sighed looking over at Remus pleadingly as he gave me a 'keep me out of this' look.

"Guys leave her alone, she can be friends with who she wants to be." He offered me a small smile before looking back down at his book "Now leave me out of this I'm trying to study."

"Fine fine. Anyway do you guys want to head to the library to pull a prank, I was thinking we could hex the books to make them scream if you fold the paper. Will probably make some people jump out of their skin." James said with a laugh, elbowing Sirius to hype him up about this stupid idea.

"As stupid as that sounds I need to study and since all the books in the library will be screaming I think I'll go to my dorm, I'll see you guys later." I smiled at my friends, waving at them as I stood up.

They all said they're goodbyes in return as I walked out of the hall.

I could feel a familiar Slytherins eyes on me as I left, slowing my pace down in the corridor as I heard the same familiar footsteps approaching me.

"Guess who?" He said from behind me with a chuckle, covering my eyes with his hands.

"Judging from this very shaky blindfold I'm gonna guess Regulus." I said with a laugh, turning around to face the smiling boy.

His hair was still messy despite his obvious efforts to style it, he grinned at me with that stupid lopsided smile you wouldn't expect from him if you were anyone else passing him in the corridor. A stern unemotional expression usually painting his face if he was around anyone else.

My relationship with Regulus started a few months ago when he caught me on the verge of throwing a book at some seventh years who were laughing at me over something so stupid I can't even remember what it was anymore.

He'd told them to piss off and then sat next to me, we spoke for a bit and despite my efforts to brush him off due to Sirius's warnings I couldn't help but be encapsulated by him.

Next thing I knew we were having secret meetings in empty dorms and broom closets.

"How's my favourite girl?" He asked, planting a small kiss on my forehead.

I swatted him away, taking a step to the side. I began walking again, him following close behind.

"What're you doing, someone could've saw." I said with a roll of my eyes, looking for a quite corner or broom cupboard we could duck into to talk.

"Why do you care, we have every right to speak to each other." He said with a groan, he'd been fed up of the secrecy for a while.

He was a private person, and it wasn't like he was looking for a relationship with heavy PDA but the secrecy was beginning to bother Regulus. Just the other day the head of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team asked me on a date to Hogsmead and Regulus just stood there biting his tongue as this guy just continued to flirt out of the excuses I was giving him.

He just wants people to know we are in a relationship, or at least see us together so often they don't bother asking.

But I wouldn't even let him speak to me in public.

"No we don't. I just think spent breakfast getting lectured about walking with Evan. I still haven't lived down when James saw me laugh at a joke Barty made the other week, and that's because they're friends with you. It would cause a war if James and Sirius found out we were together." I frowned at him as we slipped into a quiet corner of the castle.

He stood as close to me as he could and I found myself looking around to check no one was looking.

He put his finger under my chin, tilting my head up to look at him, taking all my attention away from worrying and onto him.

"I know your worried but I couldn't care less. What're you so scared of? James is your brother he's not going to hate you." He brushed a piece of hair out of my face and behind my ear as he spoke, leaving his hand to linger on the side of my face.

"Sirius is your brother and he seems to hate you." He frowned at that, taking his hand away and stepping back.

I quickly realised what I said, reaching out for his hand and pulling him close to me again.

"I'm sorry, that was mean. I didn't mean that. I just mean me and James have always been so close and I don't want that to change. I love him so much and I love Sirius and Remus and Peter so much as well. I can't loose them over something like this. But I can't loose you either, so if keeping this a secret is the only way I can keep all of you that's what I want to do." I gave him a small smile, holding my breath as I waited for him to respond, hoping he'd just drop the whole conversation.

"Okay I understand. More dates in broom cupboards it is." His hand returned to my face and I giggled lightly.

I looked up at his face with a smile taking in everything about him as I did so.

He was just so perfect I couldn't understand how anybody could hate him.

He leant down to plant a soft kiss on my lips, leaving me breathless despite the chasteness of it.

I smiled at him completely entranced by how amazing he was.

"What the fuck."

Sirius voice made me jump, pulling me out of the daydream I was in as I moved away from Regulus, trying to come up with some sort of explanation.

"Sirius I can explain."

"Explain what? Explain how your kissing my brother? Explain how your betraying me, one of your closest friends? Sure Y/n I'd love a fucking explanation." He glared at me with a look I'd never really seen from him before.

Betrayal.

"I just,,, Sirius." I couldn't think of an excuse, I looked between the two brothers as I weighed my options. I didn't have many "Sirius I love him. Please just let me love him. Don't be angry or turn it into something, please don't bring James into this. Please." I looked at him with pleading eyes as I felt Regulus's hand touch my shoulder comfortingly.

"Take your fucking hand off her." Sirius said with a glare, causing Regulus to back away from me. "How could you do this to me, to James. He cares about you so much he's trying to protect you from people like him. But I guess we were wrong you really are just a snake."

His words stung as I just looked at him speechless.

"Don't speak to her like that, none of this is her fault. What happens between me and you is between me and you, not her." Regulus said, stepping up to his brother.

"You don't get to talk to me like that, your the one in the wrong here not me. That's the way it always is." Sirius said, glaring daggers at him before giving me another hurt look and turning to walk away.

"Your the one who left me! Not the other way around." Regulus said, voice cracking at the end of his sentence.

Sirius stopped for a second before continuing to storm off without turning back around.

~~~

The next morning I walked to breakfast with Barty and Evan on my one side and Regulus on my other, holding my hand with a small smile.

Despite the drama of yesterday and the sinking feeling I had all night the weight of the secret had been lifted off both of our chests and it was nice to be able to be together in public without worrying.

I glanced over at the Gryffindor table, hoping to take my usual seat.

I saw the eyes of mine and Regulus's brother staring at me with daggers. I went to take a step towards them, dropping Regulus's hand but Sirius took the book that Remus was reading and slammed it into the empty seat next to him. Earning an annoyed and disapproving look from Remus who then looked up at me with a supportive smile.

I offered him a small smile back before sighing at the other boy's behaviour.

Regulus noticed and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, leading me over to the Slytherin table.

I focused my attention back on my friends as Barty continued telling some crude joke, trying to cheer me up a little.

~~~

"I'm sure they'll come around. He's your brother, he loves you." Regulus said whilst running a hand through my hair.

We were cuddling on the floor of a study room in the library, surrounded by books as we chatted and helped each other with potions homework.

"It's been three weeks and the only one of them that's spoken to me is Remus and that's only when we bump into each other. James is avoiding me like the plague, Sirius looks like he's about to kill me and Peters afraid to talk to me as if he'll get excommunicated as well if he does." I sighed, scribbling the notes I was writing out since I'd gotten distracted and lost what I was trying to write.

"They're just adjusting, this is new information they just need time." He kissed my forehead before leaning down to kiss my lips properly, causing me to smile again.

A cough from the door broke us apart.

"Am I intruding?" He asked, leaning against the door frame with a frown.

"James! Hi, your speaking to me?" I said with a small smile, getting out of Regulus's hug and onto my feet, walking over to him.

Regulus looked back down at his book, pretending to study and not listen to the conversation.

"I figured we should talk, I think this is the longest we've ever been apart. I just wanted to clear the air I guess." He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I've missed you."

"I've missed you too."

"I'm still beyond angry at you though, how could you date someone like him and not tell me." He said with a sigh, pinching his nose.

"Someone like him? I'm so fed up of you speaking about my friends and boyfriend like they're these evil people before you've even met them! He's a loving, caring, sweet boy who I love and who loves me. He just happens to come from a shitty family with shitty ideals. The exact same one your best friend comes from may I add. I'm sorry I kept this a secret from you, I was scared of what your reaction would be and obviously I had a right to be. But I will not apologise for being with him and loving him because I have every right to. I want nothing more than for us to be close again and to hang out like we were but if you can't deal with this then I'm sorry but I'm not going to break up with him over it, so it's you that's going to loose me." I watched his face, searching for some reaction but there wasn't one.

The room went silent for a second as James just stood there staring at me.

"Alright." He said, standing up straight and clearing his throat.

"Alright?"

"Alright. Your important to me, I can learn to get over it. No matter how gross it makes me feel."

I chuckled lightly and hugged him, feeling like a weight had been taken off my shoulders knowing we weren't fighting anymore.

"Are you going to introduce me to lover boy then?" He asked with a strained laugh.

He was trying his best.

[regulus-blacks-lover]

Hi it's me again

72 with regulus💚

I have a story idea, if you don't like it, you don't have to answer

Sooo you are kinda innocent, like you had sex before but unspecial without feelings. And regulus founds out you are reading smut books and want to give you the special spice experience you deserve. Maybe you are reading and he starts eating you out

Lot of love to you💓

Sorry it's taken me literal ages to write this! I hope u like it!

1,329 words

#72: “there is no way anyone is that innocent”

"What's up, little dove?" Regulus asked, plopping down onto the common room couch next to you.

You glanced up from your History of Magic textbook just long enough to shoot him an annoyed look. "I've got so much to do Reg. Gotta read this whole section of the book and write two essays by tomorrow."

He leaned his head on your shoulder to look at the chapter you'd already turned back to. "Oh the magical transparency uprisings of 1754," he said. You bit back your annoyance. Regulus was so good at history, thanks to the years of private tutoring his parents had supplied him for his entire childhood.

"I've been reading this page for twenty minutes," you groaned. "It's not sinking in. I'm doomed!"

Your best friend pulled your legs into his lap. "I'll help you." he said, positioning the textbook in your lap so you could both see it. You watched Regulus skim the page before he began summarizing the entire chapter like he'd been preparing a presentation on it. As he spoke, he traced lazy lines up your calves.

You relaxed into his touch and slowly began to understand what the dry words in your textbook had been trying to say.

It was always like this, Regulus coming to your rescue. Your best friend. Never anything more than kind words and casual, platonic contact. Sometimes you thought you caught him looking at you with something beyond just friendship in his gaze, but you always told yourself you were making it up.

You made it through another finals week, thanks to Regulus. The weather outside began warming as spring approached. You'd planned to stay at the school for the short spring break with a group of friends, but several of them had gotten into relationships during the term and had abandoned those plans in favor of spending the spring outside in their lovers arms. You couldn't fault them, but you also couldn't help the bitter jealousy that burned in your chest when you thought of how lonely you were.

You'd had a few relationships, of course, each as unfulfilling and short lived as the last. You'd never felt a spark with any of your partners, never cared for them the way you wanted to. And in return, you hadn't been properly cared for.

With the castle nearly empty, you ventured into the library, ending up in the small romance section. You rifled through a few books before finding one that was properly steamy. You tucked it under your arm and made your way back to the common room.

You find a decently private corner and begin reading, crossing your legs in search of friction as you reach the first sex scene in the book.

"He was consuming her like fire, his tongue stroking in long, slow licks, curling–"

"Hello little dove," a voice says, sitting down next to you. You start, instinctively angling your book away from view. You'd been so focused on the book that you hadn't even heard Regulus come in. Glancing around, you noticed that it was just the two of you in the room. "Please tell me you aren't studying during the break? That's so sad," he said, offering you a mock-pout.

"I'm not studying." You replied, trying to move the book further out of view.

Regulus cocked an eyebrow. He knew you too well, damn him. Before you could react, he snatched the book from your grasp, flipping it back open. You could only watch as his eyes scanned the pages, taking in the smut you'd been reading.

"I knew it. I knew there was absolutely no way anyone could be that innocent." He said, turning to smirk at you.

"What?" You asked, too embarrassed to think of anything else.

Regulus placed a hand on your knee, eyes momentarily lingering on your still crossed legs before he raised his gaze to yours again. "I thought maybe you were just so innocent, the way I touched you never felt like anything beyond just friendly touches." He said quietly. "I never let it go beyond that. I always wanted... I always wanted to make you feel good, I just thought you weren't... into that kind of thing."

Your gaze darted to his hand on your knee. As you watched, he slid his hand upward, just high enough that his thumb vanished below the hem of your skirt. Out of sight, he traced a gentle line against your thigh.

He leaned into you. "Do you want me to touch you?" He purred into your ear. His warm breath fanned across your neck.

Your voice was breathy when you replied, "Yes."

He pressed a kiss against your shoulder and asked, "Do you want me to touch you in all of those filthy ways you read about?"

You felt like you couldn't breathe. "Please." You said, all bust gasping the word out.

"Good." He said, but then he pulled his warm hand out from where it had been making its way underneath your skirt.

"Regulus, what-" you began, but he cut you off by grabbing your hips to pull you to the edge of the small couch you'd been perched on.

He knelt before you, leaning forward to kiss you. His hands were back on you, one on each thigh, trailing impossibly upward until your skirt was pushed all the way up around your waist and one of his thumbs began drawing torturously slow circles over your underwear.

You ran your fingers through his hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss. For all the times you'd wondered what it would be like to kiss him, the real thing was so much better than you'd even imagined.

You began rocking your hips ever so slightly upwards, trying to create more pressure as he touched you so gently. You felt Regulus smile into the kiss before he pulled away.

"Lean back for me, my dove." He said, gently pushing your shoulders back so you were half lying against the back of the couch.

You watched him sink down in front of you, his hands pulling your legs apart. He hooked his fingers into the sides of your panties and you lifted your hips to allow him room to shimmy the fabric down your legs. Your face flushed slightly, suddenly feeling bare and vulnerable. Regulus began to kiss his way up your legs, starting at your knees and making his way upward to your core, where his thumb was already rubbing slow circles against your clit, spreading your wetness around.

You inhaled sharply as he sucked the tender flesh of your inner thigh into his mouth, sure to leave a mark behind. His gaze flicked up to you, full of desire. "Do you want me to keep going?" He asked, waiting for you to pant out a 'yes' before continuing. He replaced his thumb with his mouth and you swore you'd never felt anything so good.

A small whimper left your mouth as he pushed a finger into your entrance, keeping his mouth locked on your clit, sucking it harshly before releasing it to lick it gently over and over.

He began to increase his pace, flicking his tongue over your core faster and faster until you were shaking under his touch. Meanwhile, he added a second finger to your pussy, curling them up into your center, hitting that sweet spot and making you cry out again.

Your hands were tangled in his hair and you bucked your hips up into his mouth, meeting his every thrust with one of your own.

"Regulus," you gasped, "Regulus, 'm gonna come."

He was unrelenting, continuing to lick and kiss and suck at you until your orgasm washed over you, more powerful than any pleasure you'd ever felt before.

When at last Regulus pulled away, you were a mess before him. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to taste you." He whispered, looking up at you from his position between your thighs.

[lulublack90]

Prompt 23 - Flower

@jegulus-microfic August 23, Word count 613

Previous part First Wolfstar part

Sirius stuck his arm out near to where Regulus stood and growled.

“No,” He’d guessed correctly that Regulus was less than a second away from stunning Narcissa. 

“No, what?” Narcissa questioned him, looking warily at his outstretched arm. “Sirius, what are you doing here?” She asked again. That’s when Regulus saw the shift of her hand. How it slid from her book and across her ever so slightly protruding stomach. He lowered his wand. 

“I need something from this room,” Sirius told her honestly.

“And how did you get in?” She looked nervous. Regulus had never seen her look anything but put together, serene, exactly how her parents had taught her to be. Delicate, beautiful and perfect, just like the flower she was named for. 

“You should really check who’s allowed in and out of your home, Cissa. You never know who might darken your door,” Sirius smirked. 

“What is it that you came to take?” She asked, ignoring his response. 

“You won’t want me taking it,” He warned her. 

“Oh, so the notebook then?” She sighed. Carefully, she placed her book on the small table beside her, glided over to the bookcase and selected a battered black notebook from the shelf. She looked at it with an air of disgust and tossed it to Sirius. “Here take it, I don’t want it anywhere near us,” She spat. Sirius caught it with fumbling fingers. He looked at her in confusion. 

“What? Just like that? You’re just giving it to us?” Regulus could feel a trap. His wand slowly rose again, pointing directly at Narcissa. 

“Our family has become too entangled with that man. Bella, Regulus, how many more of us are going to pay for another man’s greed for power? Andy left because of those same ideals that our parents spout, that Lucius and the rest of them have ingrained in them.” She sat back down and took up her book again. “Get it out of here and I won’t say anything to anyone.” Regulus nudged Sirius in the side.

“H-how do we know you won’t set your husband on us as soon as we walk out of this room?”

“We?” Narcissa narrowed her eyes. “Why do you keep speaking in the plural? Who else is here, Sirius?” She demanded. Regulus tensed. They couldn’t lose this chance. He pulled the invisibility cloak off himself and stared at Narcissa’s shocked face.

“B-b-but you’re dead!” She stammered. 

“Believed to be dead,” Regulus drawled. “You have Voldemort and Bella to thank for that.” 

“But your parents think you’re—”

“Dead? Yes, I am well aware and wish to keep it that way. What we are doing is far too important for my survival to get out." He glared at her.  "Have I made an error in showing myself to you, Narcissa? Or are you actually going to help us make this world a better place for your child?” He nodded pointedly at her stomach. Her hand tightened around the bump again. 

“Take it and leave. Your secret is safe with me.” She said truthfully. Her jaw quivered only slightly as she spoke.

“Good, now we need to transfigure one of your other books so no one else will think anything is amiss. Do you have any recommendations?” 

They transfigured an old copy of Witch Weekly, placing it on the shelf in the spot Narcissa had retrieved the notebook from and slipped out of Narcissa’s study. 

“I’m glad you’re both alive,” She whispered before the invisibility cloak fell into place. “Maybe after all this, we can have tea?”

“Yeah, sure Cissa, that sounds nice,” Sirius said before they hurried away. The battered notebook clutched firmly in Regulus’s hand.  

Next part

[made-by-moon]

What would the Marauders era characters do for living in a non magic au: Lily & Regulus

Lily Evans

She would go to the same uni as James, but while he was studying to be a nurse, she studied medicine. She's a smart, independent woman who wants to help people. Among those in need, she favoured children... so she became a pediatrician. Her and James would work at the same hospital, and kids would joke they're married only... it wouldn't be really a joke. Kids adore that she can stay calm and nice even in stressful situations. And she always entertains them with fun facts about the human body or the world in general.

Regulus Black

He would be a writer because while Sirius ran away from the Grimuald Place, Regulus didn't have that luxury. Without his brother, he needed to create a new reality, maybe filled with magic and adventures, to cope with the pressure put on him by his parents. He would insert people he knew into those books and create new, maybe better, world for them all and himself. He would get really successful in this field, thanks to his impressive linguistics skills and imagination.

[the-colourful-witch]

Can you talk more about Regulus being half laid-back and sloppy? 👀 That's an intriguing headcanon, I usually see people characterise him as the toffest toff haha

REGULUS BLACK, a mess A very short essay by Me :)

Now, I haven't read a lot of Regulus fics. I read Art Heist, baby! and Crimson Rivers (an ongoing process, no spoilers, please), but that's pretty much it. Put those versions of Regulus together with the canon version in the books and something interesting happens. Regulus Black is admired by his peers, revered, almost. He's good at his classes, a great Quidditch player, and holds the title of Heir to House Black. So, he looks confident, not exactly arrogant, but he knows he's good. He knows he's talented. He knows what people think of him. And here's where my theory comes in. I think, inside, he's holding on for dear life. He works himself to the bone keeping up with expectations. He studies throughout the night and gets up early to run around the grounds to keep up his cardio. He reads extracurricular books to know more than anyone else. He studies French and speaks it fluently, but still practices when it's just him alone. All because he has to. He's scared that people find out the truth; that he's nothing special. That he's just a person who works hard. So when people whisper around him, and throw him jealous, admiring, curious looks, he doesn't bother to pay attention. He leans back, smiles, and rolls up his sleeves, playing into the fantasy. That's where the laid-back version of Regulus comes in. The sloppy part is his humanity. He stayed up all night to work on an essay, then read two chapters on the French Revolution, in French. He slept a few minutes too long and when he got up, he forgot to comb his hair or tuck in his shirt. It looks casual like he doesn't really care. However, he cares too much, and sometimes those little things slip away from him. Because his brain is already three steps ahead. Now, why would he put all that pressure on himself?? We all know the answer: family. His parents let go of Sirius and focussed all of their efforts on Regulus. To make sure he would become the person they wanted them to be: the Black Heir. And Regulus is human. He wants their love and craves it. He works hard to prove he can do it. Mostly, he's scared he'll end up like Sirius, whom people whisper about behind his back. His peers in Slytherin curse his brother's name. Regulus loves Sirius but fears the opinions of others more. He knows the violence that lurks behind sharp words. He's seen it and felt it first-hand. And with Sirius gone, there's no one to protect him but himself. In short, I think Regulus is a walking contradiction of himself. He cares but doesn't show it. He's relaxed, yet always stressed. He is proud of his achievements but feels like he's always coming up short for his parents. Who wouldn't go mad if you felt all that? I know I would. Remember, this is my opinion, my views on Regulus. Anyone is entitled to their own thoughts and opinions.

[mrsfrecklesmarauders]

"I know you don't need a tutor, Reg" Remus sighed "You know all this stuff. Why don't you put some effort?"

"Why would I do that if I am already rich?" Regulus replied with an arrogant tone similar to Sirius’s. Feet on top of the desk, arms behind his head, relaxed expression, although his eyes (the same as Sirius’s that Remus knew well) showed fear.

"Most people study to go to Uni and then get a job" Regulus shrugged "I already have a job. I will own my family's Company"

Regulus was not like that. Remus knew that. He said all those things because he was hurting. Even if Remus didn't understand what exactly happened between him and his brother.

"Don't you think you oath to know these things to run YOUR company?" Remus asked getting irritated. He hated Dumbledore for making do this.

Remus didn't need extra credit with tutoring because he wasn't planning on applying for Uni. The man just kept insisting.

"I am gonna do it anyway. I am the Heir"

Remus groaned "Why are you doing this to yourself? Do you have to be a dick with me? With Sirius?"

Regulus's eyes flickered with sorrow at the mention of his brother's name.

"You think he is so innocent, don't you?" Regulus snorted with venom in his voice "Just because you sleep with him?"

It was still a secret for the rest of the world. Their closest friends knew. Some other Gryffindors knew. Grant knew.

Sirius had his reasons not to tell anyone in his family. Actually Remus agreed. They didn't have to explain anything to people they didn't care about. But Regulus was not just anyone. He was one of the selected people that Sirius wanted to tell.

Regulus just didn't like the idea.

"Sirius still cares for you. And it is not fair that they are changing you and destroying you"

Regulus laughed sarcastically.

"Have you ever asked my dear brother the real reason why he left?"

Remus didn't know the details. He knew his parents were awful. He knew Sirius ended up bruised up that night. But nothing else.

"You mean besides your parents's abuse?"

Regulus smiled evily "He went mad that night. Sirius started being the violent person and provoked father... He said horrible things to all of us until father reacted. All because of you"

Remus frowned. What did he have to do with anything?

Regulus caught his confused expression.

"He didn't tell you, did he?" he asked mocking him.

Regulus got up, pretending to be bored.

"Potter and you only have Sirius’s side in which he is the victim. But there's more to it" Regulus said, looking paler than before "Think about what Sirius actually tells you and what he hides"

Remus didn't believe him. This kid was lost and sad, and God knows what happened to him after Sirius left. Why was he so mean? Why was he changing so much?

Remus was in love with Sirius. And he believed him. Sirius would never lie or manipulate him.

"How you ever wondered why did your parents leave so abruptly many years ago?"

Remus didn't know. Both of his parents got jumpy when The Black Family was mentioned. Hope had helped him contact Sirius without success. They saw Remus suffering and missing Sirius. But never gave an explanation.

"Sirius knows" Regulus added, as he grabbed his unopened books "Ask him"

Regulus left the room satisfied with wrecking Remus apart.

If Sirius knew, he wouldn't keep it from Remus. It just couldn't be true. Regulus was just lying. Regulus had to be lying, right? Maybe he was just jealous. He was scared of losing Sirius. That must be it. That made him lie.

God, tutoring this kid was going to be hard.

[fensherohair]

The Marauders & The Metamorphic Witch Part 7

Warning: None Words: 1.9k

"If I didn't know any better" started James, he and the group of friends entered Gryffindor Common Room after the portrait of the Fat Lady had finally decided to let them pass. A few of the portraits close by had cringed at the screech the Fat Lady had insisted was her best opera voice. "I would say old Dumbledore's speech was aimed at us" he added, motioning between (Y/N) and the remaining three Marauders. Dumbledore's speech was still fresh in memory, even after the amazing feast filled with endless choices for dinner and dessert. He'd spoken about the mischief and constant pranks the year prior, hinting toward the idea of it calming a little now, at least since those involved had more subjects to choose from and would likely be more occupied with work and other things such as the trips to Hogsmeade and Quidditch. 

"It was aimed at you dofus" commented Marlene as she walked passed, a smile on her lips. Although she was a little down, her little brother Mason, had been sorted into Slytherin. Despite that, she was proud of him and pleased he at least had one friend in Regulus. "No one else in the years above or below caused so much chaos last year. Plus we all know the new caretaker won't be pleased if he has to chase you lot around as well as Peeves" she laughed, taking a seat on one of the sofas, with Lily and (Y/N) on either side of her, Isolde on the armchair to the side, pulling faces at the first years, as if to lighten the mood slightly. 

"Ah, we'll probably be causing enough havoc in Care of Magical Creatures and DADA" replied Isolde. Her excitement had only grown over the holidays, she always had a love for creatures, even more so the magical ones. Despite only being a third year, she had hopes of one day becoming a Magizoologist, studying dragons in particular, there was just something about the mythical and dangerous beasts that always intrigued her. 

"I'll try not to melt the potion cauldron with an acidic mess this year" called Sirius, as he sat at one of the wooden tables, seemingly ignoring the girls that had begun to show attraction, almost as if he was oblivious to it. "Well, I will if (Y/N) doesn't make another banger like last year" 

"Whatever did I do to get such attention from you?" playfully asked (Y/N), the familiar mischievous gleam returning to her (E/C) eyes. Once again Sirius' cheeks began to burn up, much to (Y/N)'s amusement. Lily and Marlene also seemed to find the funny side, whereas Isolde merely commented it was sweet. Allegra on the other hand, remained quiet, as if unsure what to say or let the thoughts floating through her mind, pass her lips in a thinly worded comment. "Only joking with you Black. It would be fun tormenting you in detention again, same with James" she added with a more innocent smile. 

"Oi, I plan to stay out of detention this year. Me old parents threatened to send a howler if I didn't start behaving" hurriedly replied James, as he threatened his father wording the threat, and his mother trying to lighten the blow. Neither were particularly thrilled with the constant pranks and jokes but were at least happy he'd found friends. 

"I'll believe that when it happens" voiced Remus, with a chuckle. His eyes light up a little as the letters shared over the holidays come to mind. How Peter, James, and Sirius had come up with a plan to help him on full moons, although it was one that could take months, even years to properly succeed at. They were going to try and become Animajus. Something Remus knew was no easy feat, but at the same time, he couldn't help but be thankful to them, in the same way, he was thankful for (Y/N), using her ability to make that time of the month easier for him, if not a little more enjoyable. 

"You're jumping into studying early" commented Allegra, as she sat on the other arm, across from her twin. James had hold of an advanced potions book, another small book on top of it, although she couldn't make out what the title of it was. Peter and James looked to the books whereas Sirius and Remus shared an uncertain glance, as if they were suddenly unsure how well they could keep Remus' condition a secret or what they were going to attempt away from the often gossipy girl. 

"If you boys need help with that potion, give me a shout" voiced (Y/N), quickly figuring out what they were up to. Although she saved them the hassle of explaining, but not physically word it. Instead, she offered her skills in potion brewing. "I figured it out, from all the questions James and Sirius were asking via letters over the holidays" added the Metamorphic witch, offering a reassuring smile, their secret was safe with her, as Remus' had been since the first year. 

"How come you know everything?" asked Allegra, a rude tone to her voice, as a little bit of jealousy seeped into it as well. Isolde simply rolled her eyes at her twin, suspecting it wouldn't be long before Allegra threw herself into her old way once more, despite her promise to their parents, things would be different this year. Despite Allegra's best attempt to hide her growing jealousy of Marlene, Lily, and (Y/N)'s growing popularity it still reared its ugly head now and again. 

"I'm observant" worded (Y/N) in response, as her hair began to chain from its natural (H/C) to a darker shade of blue, with tints of silver it in. This time it appeared as if she was in control of the sudden change rather than the ability being linked with her emotions. "Plus the only way they could have made it more obvious is if they shouted it from the Astronomy tower" she added, her attention turning to the burning fire, as if something about the mundane flames, had become interesting, despite them appearing as they always did. 

"And you're smart" spoke Isolde, when (Y/N) stopped. A small chuckle escaped from the youngest Smith Twin. As Allegra all but glared at her. As if wishing they weren't related let alone twins. "What do you guys want to do in the future anyway? I remember McGonagall told us to use the holidays to think of potential careers" 

"I want to work as a healer at St Mungo's, maybe with children" replied Lily, as if she had long since decided what she wanted to do in the future. In a similar way to how Isolde herself had already decided. 

"Ministry, maybe in the Department of Mysteries, or in the Minister's office" worded Marlene, although she would also admit, she had thought about opening a shop on Diagon Alley and enjoying the endless flow of Hogwarts students coming through, as well as old friends. 

"I don't know. Not really thought about it. Perhaps Gryngotts if they'll have me" spoke James, admitting he'd not really given any thought to what he would do in the future. From the family wealth, he didn't need to work but also felt the need to stand on his own two feet one day. 

"I want to be a curse breaker" laughed Remus, admitting his wild dream with a grin, as his eyes all but lit up like Christmas lights. "Would be fun traveling around the world. Maybe one day I could write a book about it" he added, looking around his friends. Imagining them in the roles they'd spoken about. 

"Aura" simply responded (Y/N) as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. She was a metamorphmagi, so disguising herself would be a little trouble. Her clumsiness, on the other hand, would be the real challenge. 

"Same" voiced Sirius, he'd long since made the decision he would be the opposite of what his family wanted. Over the years since attending Hogwarts, he'd slowly grown more distant from his parents and most of his family. The only exception appeared to be his cousin Andromeda, who encouraged him to find who he was outside the family, to follow his dreams and if he did choose to marry, do so for love rather than to follow the old family views and traditions. 

"I don't know. There's still plenty of time to find something" spoke Peter in a shakey voice, while also admitting he'd not put much thought into it. Yet he knew he didn't have the courage to be an Aura, or the brains to be a professor or any kind of teacher. Yet he did love to bake and make treats at home with his mother. Perhaps he would turn that into something, or work on potions and invent something. "What about you, Isolde?" he asked, noticing she hadn't spoken of her dream future job, but instead listened to what the rest had to say. 

"Magizoologist, specifically working with Dragons" she replied with excitement and confidence. Allegra only scoffed, she'd always believed Isolde would be like her and want a muggle job, something that reminded them of the world they had once been a part of, before finding out they were witches and being deemed weirdos by their old friends for being sent to what they believed was a boarding school. "Maybe a pro quidditch player, if I ever make it onto the team" laughed Isolde, knowing the odds of making it onto the team of seven were low, but that didn't mean she couldn't hope one day she would be good enough. 

"I want to be a singer and actor, maybe a model" snapped Allegra, a smug smile appearing on her lips, as she thought about being rich and famous, maybe using some of her magic to achieve her dreams. After all, it couldn't hurt, right? A little spell here and there or a potion when needed. "The wizarding world is too small for the likes of me" she added, her words clearly meant as an insult, although it didn't seem as if the group she was with took any notice or even registered the offending words. 

"What does Severus want to do?" asked Marlene, curious what the Slytherin, whom Lily called one of her closest friends, wanted to be when he left the walls of the castle, and his time as a student ended. 

"Potions master" simply replied Lily, displaying the topic had come up between them before, likely as one of the meaningless conversations they had talked about to pass the time, while they spent time together at the lake near the small town they both resided in. 

"Sure he doesn't aspire to be a Death Eater" commented James, although his words only caused Lily to send a death glare his way. 

"Sure you don't plan on becoming a bigger prat than you already are" she replied the redhead with an innocent smile but with a stinging whip to her words. Once again putting it on display for all to see. Although she tolerated James for now, she didn't consider him a friend and would always choose Severous over him, unless given a reason to do otherwise. 

"Alright put it to rest both of you" spoke Remus, breaking up the awkward tension that had settled over the common room. Soon enough he bid the group of girls good night and all but pulled James to the stairs leading to the boys' dormitories with him. At least preventing more of the stupidity before it occurred. Marlene did the same with Lily a few minutes later, clearly showing she wasn't comfortable being around Allegra longer than she had to be. And showing there was a rift in the small group of girls that was slowly getting bigger. 

Masterlist

[tragically-but-finnally-yours]

Beneath the Surface.

|| I'm not entirely sure what came over me, but through all the mess came this mastepiece. I hope you all enjoy it. ||

The cluttered study room was their sanctuary within Grimmauld Place. The one room their Mother left them alone, under the pretense that they were in there furthering their studies. The selves were filled with more knowledge that they’d need in any lifetime, and filled with darker magic than they’d ever seen. There was a single lamp in the middle of the back wall, casting light on their desks and not much else. There was a window, it was small but it was enough that they could stand side by side and look out to the street below. To be able to watch the other children of the neighborhood play and have fun in ways they will never experience. 

Sirius sat at his desk, sorting through the many piles of books scattered across his desk. He had fought with their Mother at breakfast and had been in the room ever since. He didn't seem to be organizing the books more so shifting them into certain piles then back again. Regulus knew better than to interrupt him when he got like this. Here he was able to escape from the pressure and expectations that loomed just outside the door. 

Regulus was silent as he entered the room, fingertips tapping nervously on his upper arm. He was frustrated with his older brother, upset with the way he’d start a shitstorm within the family then leave, leaving Regulus trapped in the remnants. Regulus felt a familiar knot tighten in his stomach as he watch Sirius, the boy who seemed to know exactly who he was- while Regulus was left floundering in the darkness.

Sure biologically they were family, with dark hair, sharp facial features. The blood running through their veins was a little too similar for their liking but that's where the similarities ended. Where Sirius was confident in who he was, defiant against their family’s expectations. Regulus was trapped by them, consistently being told he will always be second to his brother, no matter how well he did. Regulus struggled to find himself, beyond being the boy who was lesser than his brother. 

The room was filled with an uneasy silence, both brothers knowing that the other was in the room but neither of them acknowledging it. He could feel the weight of their repressed emotions hanging in the air, pressing against his chest like a physical presence. He had come to the room seeking solace, yet the familiar routine of Sirius’ indifference only fueled his anger. 

He shifted on his feet, trying to gather the courage to voice what had been building inside him for weeks. The urge to confront his brother was a fire in his veins, but the fear of rejection loomed larger. The last thing he wanted to do was shatter the fragile space they had created, where their mothers expectations could not reach them. 

But the silence stretched on, discomfort pricked at the tips of Regulus’ ears. He knew he couldn’t hold back any longer. “Can you just stop, please?” 

Sirius didn’t look up from his desk, “With what?” His tone was bored.

“Patronizing me.’ Regulus’ voice was sharp, cutting through the stillness of the room, the discomfort had moved down his body, prickling the skin on his arms. The words left a bitter taste in his mouth, lingering long after he spoke. 

Now Sirius looked at him, “Hey.”

His heart was racing, fist clenched tightly at his side. “Oh Regulus, it’s amazing how you follow along the path that our parents set for us. Look at you being the good little spare.” He spat the last word out. The argument from earlier still ringing in his mind. Sirius’ anger never had any sort of direction, lashing out at everyone until the world was ablaze with him at the center. He hated being held to those expectations especially by the same person who fights so hard against them. 

“Regulus, it’s not like that, I thought you wanted to-”

He doesn’t let his brother finish. “You’ve never asked. No one has, everyone is so busy focusing on you that they don’t see that I’m trying to be something more than your brother.”

Sirius' breath is sharp, he pushes roughly against his desk so that he can leave his chair. He turns to face Regulus, who pushes off the wall standing tall. Just once he wants to be equal to the man he’s been compared to his entire life. “You don’t get to tell me how I should feel! Not about my shame, not when it’s happening to me. Not when I’ve come to you countless times, telling you how frustrated I am when Mother belittles me. Not when you’ve seen the aftermath of me being shamed by a Professor in class.” Regulus’ cheeks flush hot, the embarrassment and anger clashing under his skin, leaving marks in their wake. Across the room, he can see Sirius’ skin flushed the same color, just another way they are so similar. 

“This is my frustration, mine. You don’t get to tell me how to feel it- how to wear it. Not when you choose to bury yours down and pretend like it doesn’t exist.” Regulus swallows hard, fighting against the sob that threatens to escape, his throat tightening briefly until he reminds himself to breathe. 

Sirius stands frozen beside his desk, his hands tremblings, the skin on his face flushed a bright red- a clear sign of his agitation. He is watching Regulus with wide eyes, like he is a threat sent to hurt him. His concern is written plain on his face, much the way Regulus can feel the frustration written on his own, yet his brother doesn’t attempt to bridge the space between them. Regulus is too lost in his own turmoil to notice how Sirius is struggling to find the right words.

“And I know you have your own demons too. Believe me, I’ve seen them. But not once have I ever turned yours against you. Not once have I ever been anywhere but exactly by your side, fighting them with you, then holding you when it’s all over. Not once have I-”

But Regulus can’t finish. A choked sob breaks free, raw and unrestrained, tearing through the carefully constructed walls he has built around his emotions. He takes a step towards his brother, then another, before he’s crumpling to the floor. Sirius is there in an instant, pulling him tight against his chest. 

At first, Regulus wants to fight him, he tries, pushing and struggling against his brother. But the fight within him has already left, leaving him feeling raw and exposed. He sinks into Sirius’ embrace, sobbing against his shoulder, pouring out the pent-up pain and frustration he has been holding back for far too long. His tears feel endless, but each one carries away a fraction of the weight he had been carrying.

He can feel the warmth of his brother’s body, the steady beat of his heart. It brings a strange comfort to him, amidst the chaos currently in his mind. It’s like finding a comfort toy you had for all your childhood, long after you’ve grown up. You no longer have a use for it, but the comfort and safety it once brought you cannot be forgotten.Every part of Regulus wants to push away the vulnerability, to fold it back up and tuck it back into his chest where it could only hurt him in the private darkness of his room. But he couldn’t. Not now. Not when Sirius was there, holding him tight in the way he was so desperately craving. 

 Long after the sky outside had turned dark, the familiar call of their Mother echoed through the house, summoning them to dinner, but neither of them acknowledged it. They knew they wouldn't be missed, not after this morning's argument. It was an unspoken truth of their family; she’d not miss them, even when they’re dead. So they remained in their own little bubble, where Regulus delt he had carved out a piece of himself, laying it bare on the floo, trusting Sirius to take care of it. 

“Regulus,” Sirius whispered, his voice low and soothing, like a balm on Regulus’ raw emotions.

Regulus shifted slightly, his head still resting against his brother’s shoulder. “What?”

“I didn’t know,” Sirius said softly, his fingers gently threading through Regulus’ hair. The pause when the tug on a knot, but Sirius simply untangles it and continues on. “I didn’t realize how much you were holding back. I thought I was helping you.” Sirius looks devastated, like he is only just realizing how much pain he has caused. 

“You were,” Regulus admitted, his voice just as soft as Sirius’. “But you have to understand, I need you to see me. Not just as the younger brother who does what he’s told, or the spare. I’m more than that and I’m tired of feeling like I’m not enough.”

Sirius nods slowly, processing his words, for once he is taking the time to consider what he says, making sure that his words are full of love, not anger. “I’m sorry, I’ve been wrapped up in my own struggles and didn’t see what you were going through. I’ll do better- I’ll be better, I promise.”

“I don’t want you to change who you are, you are fine as you are. I just want to be able to exist in the same space as you without suffocating. I want us to be able to support each other in the way brothers should want to. I want us to be equal, not competing with each other at every turn.”

Sirius smiles, a small but genuine curve of his lips that makes Regulus’ heart swell. “We can be, we will be.”

For the first time in a long while, Regulus felt that he could breathe again, the air filling his lungs in a way that it hasn’t done in a long time. He never realized just how hard it had been for him to breathe until now. 

Eventually they’ll have to talk, they’ll have to address their issues, both with each other and separately but for the moment, this is enough. To be able to exist, exactly as they are, to be seen exactly as they are, to be able to lay themselves bare on the floor and expose all of their rotting pieces and still be loved. To have the comfort they are so desperately yearning for, be given to them by the same person who caused part of their hurt.

“Do you remember when we were kids?” Regulus asked, wiping the last remnants of tears from his face, glancing up at Sirius. “That summer when we tried to brew that potion from that old book in the attic?”

Sirius chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. “Oh Merlin, yes! We nearly blew up the whole place! I thought Mother was going to kill us.”

Regulus laughed, a sound so foreign yet refreshing, like a soft breeze on a summer day. “We were so sure we could make a powerful potion. And then it just… fizzled out and turned into a terrible mess.”

Sirius grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “And you got so mad at me for spilling the ingredients everywhere! You nearly hexed me.”

“I should have!” Regulus shot back playfully, a small smile creeping onto his face. “But I guess it was kind of funny in hindsight.”

“It was,” Sirius agreed, the warmth of nostalgia flooding the space between them. “We were invincible back then. Nothing could touch us.”

Regulus sighed, the memories both sweet and bitter. “I wish we could go back to that. Before everything felt so complicated.”

“Yeah,” Sirius said, his expression turning serious. “But we can’t. We have to face it all, Regulus. We can’t just run away. But I’ll be here, no matter what. You’re not alone in this.”

“I know,” Regulus replied softly, leaning into Sirius’s side, feeling the weight of their unspoken bond wrap around them like a protective cloak. “I’m just scared.”

“Of what?” Sirius asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

“Of failing. Of not being good enough. Of letting everyone down.” Regulus swallowed hard, the fear gnawing at his insides. “Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning, like I’m never going to measure up to the expectations. Especially from Mother.”

Sirius’s expression darkened, and he shifted slightly to look directly into Regulus’s eyes. “You’re not defined by their expectations, Regulus. You’re your own person, and you’re so much more than what they see.”

“But they don’t see me,” Regulus whispered, the pain cutting through him like a blade. “They only see the perfect son, the one who excels in Potions and is destined for greatness in the family.”

Sirius’s gaze softened, and he brushed his thumb across Regulus’s cheek. “You are destined for greatness, but that greatness should be defined by you. Not by them.”

Regulus met his brother’s gaze, searching for the truth in Sirius’s words. “What if I fail? What if I’m not enough?”

“Then we’ll figure it out together,” Sirius said firmly. “You don’t have to carry this alone. I’ve struggled, too, with my own fears and doubts. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to fail. It’s okay to be vulnerable.”

Regulus felt a rush of emotion, the weight of his brother’s support washing over him like a tidal wave. “You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it.”

“Because you do deserve it,” Sirius replied, his voice steady and unwavering. “We’re brothers. I’d fight the world for you, Regulus. No matter what.”

[enbysiriusblack]

the study club headcanons:

always getting derailed by talking about books they're currently reading

other students always sit at the tables around them to eavesdrop their conversations since it's like free tutoring

remus is banned from talking about sirius when all three all of them are together (as such, remus keeps trying to get talking about james banned)

lily and regulus both realised remus was a werewolf in their first year, lily just promptly asked him if she was right and then told him she was going to search for more unbiased material about them since she didn't know much about his experience. regulus just kept reading books about werewolves in front of remus so often, with a smirk on his face, that remus clearly knew regulus had worked it out. they never talked about it, but sirius had talked to regulus about not telling anyone, including their parents

they have a designated table they always sit at (it's by the window, far enough away from the desk so pince won't hear them talking, but not far enough away that they'll be surrounded by students messing around)

their other friends try to drag them away all the time so they're unable to hang out much, or for very long

they all abuse their prefect privileges, and spend their night duties just sitting in the halls reading together

they all have different subjects they're best at, so help the others with those

remus and lily trying to explain different films to regulus since he can't watch any, he now thinks star wars is a gay farmer who gets dragged from his home to fight against the government, which a dude in black who breathes heavily. and they also have glowing swords and bear-people.

remus gives them spare jumpers he keeps in his bag when its cold in the library (sirius getting jealous when they see regulus wearing one of remus' jumpers)

dramatic but stony regulus, hot-headed but approachable lily, and laidback but studious remus

they have a very 'no matter what's going on outside this group, what fights you're getting into with my closest friends, we're still friends and will still meet up right here'

james trying to get remus to be his wingman and remus gives in one time, awkwardly trying to describe how hot james looks after a shower or his morning run, and from that starts a rumour james and remus are dating. while lily and regulus are happy to just laugh at the stuttering, red faced remus)

they barely acknowledge each other outside of the library (only lily and remus with regulus, not lily and remus to each other)

remus is the one who brought them together, becoming friends with lily in first year due to their mutual books obsession, and remus and regulus due to remus being the first to find out regulus was trans (like him) and gave him tips. but from that regulus and lily became friends, than slowly started to flirt, than lily asked him out, and now remus is stuck having to deal with a flirting couple that think they're so secretive when holding hands under the table and giving each other looks and complimenting each other's handwriting and remus just wants to die. die. die.

[astroaries98]

Confrontation...

TW: reference to abuse, swearing

The most painful thing is Pandora probably never even truly knew if Regulus succeeded or not.

Regulus, Pandora, Barty and Evan sat in an empty classroom they had commandeered for studying. They were all gathered around one desk, heads down with parchment and open books covering the wooden surface, the only sounds were the scribble of quills and the patter of rain again the windows. 

The door burst open disrupting the calm atmosphere the four students looked up in confusion as Dorcus rushed in, her eyes glistening with angry tears, her face a storm of fury. 

“Tell me why I’ve just had Nott and Mulciber corner me, call me outrages names and then when I said I’d tell you all what they had done they laughed…they laughed in my face and said none of you would care - you had finally answered the call for your higher purposes?” 

She slammed her hands on the desk nearest to Regulus and slowly looked at each one of her friends in the eyes. 

“I’m going to ask you something once and once only, and if any of you lie I can promise you I’ll know, and I have no idea what I will do.” She took a deep breath her face returning to a blank expression. “Have any of you got one of those stupid cultist marks on your arm?” 

They said nothing in return, what could they say? They knew she already knew the answer and no one wanted to be the one to confirm her worse fears…all of their worse fears. 

When no one spoke up rage and pain returned to Dorcus’s face and she grabbed Regulus' forearm and pushed back his sleeve, revealing the dark, swirling skull branded there. 

For a moment she just stood there staring at it, almost as if there was still some part of her that thought she’d find nothing. 

“How could you?” she whispered still looking at the tattoo, “How could you?” louder now, looking at Regulus right in the eyes daring him to try and make an excuse.  

“Dorcus...” he started. He was scarily calm but then again hadn’t they been preparing for this conversation for months? 

Barty looked down at the table and Evan squeezed Pandora's wrist. 

“You know, I don't actually care Reg” She let his arm drop onto the table and addressed the table as a whole again. 

"Don’t you think I don't notice you all coming back from each summer more bruised and scared than before? Don't play me for an idiot, I know who is responsible and it’s not right. How can you all support someone who allows your parents to hurt you, who is responsible for hurting you himself?” 

She choked on her words, holding back tears. 

“He’s called the fucking Dark Lord for Godric's sake, how is none of this obvious to you?”

“You don’t understand, you don’t know what it's like” Evan spoke up. “They love us, they need us, they just want what’s best for us.”

“Love shouldn’t hurt Evan, not like this” Dorcus spoke quietly now. 

Regulus and Pandora shared a very small but pained look across the table. 

“And you? Playing war just to piss off your daddy? It's pathetic Barty.” 

Barty looked up at Dorus guilt across his face, “I didn’t have anywhere else to go…” he replied allowing anger to take over him. “We don’t all get luckily, we don’t all get saintly Gryiffdores to run to.” he snapped. 

“You could have come to me Barty, I was always there.” 

Pandora inhaled at the word ‘was’.  “Dorcus…” she started but she was cut off. 

“So is it just the one of you or have you all got the mark?” she snapped.

“It’s just me Dorcus” Regulus replied, a million thoughts behind his eyes, remembering and regretting all the painful decisions that had led him to this point. 

“So what happens now? Are you all going to carry on supporting him or are you going to leave this room with me and do everything you possibly can do to make sure no more innocent people are killed?”  She demanded. 

Pandora opened her mouth to speak but Regulus shot her a pitiful look and slightly shook his head no. 

“Oh so now you all do what Prince Regulus says, he’s got the mark so you all answer to him? Is that how it works?” Dorcus flung her hands up in defeat and went to turn away. 

‘So what? It’s not like you aren’t going to fight for Dumbledore. He’s nothing different, recruiting others to carry out his plans and ideas.” Barty sneered causing Dorcus to turn back around and look at him. 

“He’s not rallying up followers to kill innocent victims in the name of fucking blood purity.” Her words cut through the thick air.  

“We didn't ask for any of it. Don’t you think we are all innocent in this?.” Evan responded. 

“No, not anymore I don’t.” She sighed.

And she left. She didn't look back, she walked out of the room calm and collected, forever gone from their lives and all their hearts broke into a million different pieces.

They sat in silence no one wanting to be the first the speak. No one wanting the reality to hit.

Suddenly, Barty pushed away from the desk and stormed out of the room, Evan instinctively followed after him worried what he might do in rage. 

Regulus carried on sitting there, sleeve still pushed up, a blank expression on his face suppressing any emotion he was feeling. 

Pandora swallowed. And moved to sit next to him. 

“Promise me” She begged silent tears streaming down her porcelain cheeks. “Promise me that Kreacher is right, that he can be destroyed because I can’t keep doing this, I can't keep losing people if it’s all for nothing…” 

Regulus looked up at her, his large grey eyes unreadable. “I promise” he whispered and Pandora knew he meant it. 

[midnightstargazer]

I have a lot of thoughts about squibs.

And I've been saving them for after the Regulus Black Fest ended, because the fic that I wrote for that involved a squib OC, and I can't really talk about my ideas without talking about her. Author reveals for the fest happened yesterday, so ...

Being a squib seems like an unnecessarily tragic and unpleasant fate. Unnecessarily being the key word. From what is shown in canon, there's no good reason why squibs shouldn't have a place in magical society, but for the most part they don't. And it all ties back to Hogwarts, really.

Squibs are not allowed to attend Hogwarts, and there's never any sign that they can take O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. exams under any circumstances (e.g., if they are tutored at home). But there are several classes that don't require magic!

Out of the core classes, Herbology, Astronomy, and History of Magic would be very squib-friendly subjects, and Potions might or might not be. (I'm pretty sure JKR said at some point that potions do require using a wand, but that's never actually mentioned in the books, so Death of the Author applies). As far as electives, Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies definitely don't require magic, and the latter would be very useful for squibs, who by definition are not Muggle-born. Ancient Runes and Arithmancy are too much of an unknown to say one way or the other.

Depending on how you count the questionable ones, squibs could possibly study anywhere from five to eight of the Hogwarts school subjects. For comparison, Harry and Ron each earn seven O.W.L.s and consider that to be a good outcome. Five N.E.W.T. classes seems to be considered a full workload, although students are shown taking anywhere from three (Neville) to seven (Hermione). So it's totally feasible for squibs to earn as many N.E.W.T.s as the average wizard, even if their choice of classes would be more limited.

Why is this important? Because those exams determine your entire future in the wizarding world.

It's obvious that O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s are needed for most career paths, limiting squibs to undesirable jobs with low barriers to entry. We see this in Mr. Filch, who clearly hates his job as the Hogwarts caretaker but likely has few other options. And yet, why shouldn't a squib be a herbologist, or a reporter for the Daily Prophet, or an office worker at the Ministry, or even a professor at Hogwarts? Just like not all Hogwarts school subjects require magic, neither do all careers in the wizarding world.

At the same time, squibs born into "pure-blood" families can't possibly have an easy time joining the Muggle world. Yes, Mrs. Weasley has a cousin who's an accountant, and Aunt Muriel says that in her day, squibs were often sent away to live among Muggles. But so many wizards are utterly out-of-touch with the Muggle world, and it's hard to believe they would have any idea how to help their child make a life for themselves there, even if they wanted to. And that's not even addressing the prejudice that a lot of wizards have against anything or anyone non-magical.

The flip side of that is what it would be like as a parent to realize your child isn't showing signs of magic. In a society where magic is prized so highly and not having it is seen as a sign of inferiority, I'd imagine few parents would be happy to discover their child is a squib. Even those that do love their kids unconditionally would inevitably worry for them, knowing their lives will be harder because of it. For those that are prejudiced based on magic and blood ... yikes.

This is something I have a lot of thoughts about, so naturally, I've explored it in some of my fics. I've mentioned Marlene McKinnon having a squib brother several times, and he made a brief appearance in a one-shot I posted recently. This is purely headcanon, because the McKinnons are almost a complete unknown in canon, but I see them as being a very open-minded and tolerant sort of family (hence why the Death Eaters came after them), and refusing to reject a squib could be part of that. I've also written a Mrs. Figg-centric story that went into her backstory and how she came to live at Privet Drive.

And here's where we get to the part that I couldn't talk about while the Regulus Black Fest was still anonymous.

The fic that I wrote for the fest was titled A Little Bird Told Me. The basic premise is that Regulus never loaned Kreacher to Voldemort and therefore did not discover the locket horcrux and remained a Death Eater until 1981. However, by the time Voldemort returns, Regulus has a daughter who is quickly approaching Hogwarts age and has yet to show any sign of magic.

In all honesty, I think squibs born into families as extreme as the Blacks would have a very hard time. I have headcanons about what probably happened to Marius Black, Sirius and Regulus's disowned great-uncle. They're not pleasant. But I have a massive soft spot for Regulus and will never get tired of writing redemption arcs for him, so he loves his squib daughter and is forced to confront that aspect of his own prejudice, and that gives him a reason to oppose Voldemort the second time around.

But just because he's making an effort doesn't mean everything is easy for Lyra. She knows perfectly well what being a squib probably means for her future.

“I want to go to Hogwarts,” she murmured. “I want to study magic, just like the rest of my family, and go to Quidditch games, and shop in Diagon Alley, and … and … I don’t want to live like a Muggle.”

Gee, I wonder where the child of a former Death Eater got the idea that living as a Muggle would be such a horrible fate.

No, seriously, one thing that I tried to weave in throughout the fic is the idea that Regulus thinks he's ditched his prejudice, but he really ... hasn't? He's just gotten closer to the sort of mindset that's normally accepted by wizarding society, which isn't the same thing at all. Like, he's plotting against the Death Eaters from the moment Voldemort comes back, but he's still shocked when Hermione describes house-elves' status as slavery, he spent the entire time between the wars continuing to shun Andromeda, and he's uncomfortable with letting his daughter learn about Muggles or even considering the idea that she might live among them someday.

And she's absolutely picked up on that. Not to say her desire to be part of the wizarding world isn't genuine, but "I don't want to live like a Muggle" is very much a learned prejudice, an internalized idea that non-magical = bad, wrong, lacking, and an assumption that her magical ancestry makes her better in some way.

I feel like that sort of thinking is probably common among squibs from pure-blood families, even much nicer ones than the Blacks. Even the Weasleys, for instance, are often very condescending when they talk about Muggles.

All of which seems pretty much designed to set squibs up for failure. There just are not a lot of good options. It basically comes down to either living in a world they have no familiarity with and were likely taught to view as inferior, or living within the world they were born into, but with a second-class status and basically no opportunities.

By the end of the Regulus fic, Lyra has become close to the Tonks family and Ted is starting to teach her about the Muggle world. It's also implied that she might be allowed to take O.W.L./N.E.W.T. exams in the subjects she's been studying that don't require a wand. I thought about having her make a decision one way or the other, but ultimately, I decided she was way too young to know for sure what she wants, and that it didn't matter much what she would ultimately choose. It was more important that she have options and be able to make informed decisions that aren't based on prejudice or fear.

[loserboyfriendrjl]

ൠ regulus pls

ൠ - random headcanon

he used to spend a lot of time in his father's study. at first, it had started for the amount of books that was there. shelves and shelves of thick, old books, waiting to be explored and read by him.

(regulus had been a reader ever since he was little, and so was sirius. they asked their father to give them a few books too, and he did, but never what they would have liked to readm knowing about your roots, the purity of one's blood, was far more important than fairytales about dragons and knights in shiny armor)

later, he would hide there. he would hide away from the fights that would be going on downstairs, and maybe he was childish for doing so but, still, he was just a kid.

it hadn't taken long before the study of his father had become his. all of those books, the mahogany desk, the hardwood floors, the grandfather clock, all of them seemed unimportant now, with the burden that regulus had to carry on his shoulders, a name so heavy of a boy so frail.

(just years later, orion's study would be the nest of regulus' betrayal. he had left a draft of the letter to his lord on the desk, in a way, hoping that his parents would see, that his parents would know. regulus' bedroom and the study hadn't been opened until grimmauld place had become the order's headquarters, but no one had dared go in, not even sirius. the draft had been found by none other than harry potter, years after voldemort had fallen, and he had smiled. it was signed by the same r.a.b that had tried destroying the locket. only now, he knew who that was. regulus arcturus black.)

[ynandfics]

IMAGINE:

Regulus and Remus had always had a unique friendship once they met after the marauders bumped into his circle one day during a plan for a new prank on Snape.

“Ughhh why’d we have to bump into these snakes” Sirius mumbled softly, which was very unlike his usual boisterous character until you saw on the opposing side was a smaller male who looked identical to him.

“Hello brother, Gryffindor treating you okay?” The remark from the younger Slytherin brother snarled at Sirius.

“Plenty better than I suppose your house and the family do” Sirius referred to the Noble House of Black like it was gum on his shoe. Annoying.

“Oh no, you see…at least our parents like me better than you now. I’m no longer the spare, I am the Heir” Barty Crouch Jr and Evan Rosier looked nervously between themselves before grabbing the back of Regulus’ robes to stop him from possibly cause physical harm to his brother.

“Like I care, you’ll probably turn out like they did, another circle of inbreeds…..at least I have other people in my house who want me” Sirius smirked at his little brother.

“You know I would touch our cousins with a ten foot pole, especially Bella” his face contorted slowly at the thought of his cousin’s.

“I at least agree with that. But isn’t Lucius and Narcissa together…and Adromedea with that Muggle boy Ted?” Sirius eyebrow raised.

“Yes, and their parents and our’s don’t like that…especially with the Muggle” The two groups had let go of their respective brothers as the boys stopped be volitile to each other.

“So does this mean the fight is over?” James said in the background.

“I think so” Evan said beside Regulus.

————————————————————————

“So have you actually studied? Or you just saying that so you can see James.” Remus stated, standing in front of the table in the library which held the Slytherin boy and all his homework.

“No I’m actually studying, but James could come in at any moment from one of those pranks or Quidditch and I’ll be here on my own.” Regulus said whilst turning the page of his potions book.

“I wouldn’t put it for him to come here, I think you should head up to the tower if you even want to catch him. You should know your boyfriend by now.” Remus decided to sit across from the younger Black brother.

“Yes, and I suppose you’re off to to the same considering my own brother?” Regulus raised his eyebrow as the lycanthrope.

“Well that’s true. I mean I also do live there technically, considering the orphanage doesn’t want me back” the young and scarred boy laughed.

“That’s probably another reason Sirius doesn’t come home anymore.” Regulus smiled, thinking of the freedom his brother had over Christmas.

“Well, there’s more to that than just me I hope. He’s been talking about trying to get you out of the house, cause you don’t need the family drama either- especially if you’re dating James” Remus looked at the boy as they started walking towards the Gryffindor tower.

“Yeah James has tried to get me to meet his parents for ages, my parents won’t allow it though.” Regulus looked down at his feet.

“Trust me, those two don’t have brains when you put them together. I’ll get a way that Sirius can get you out of Grimmauld and get you to James without leaving the trail straight to his parents house.

“Okay Remus, we can try over summer but don’t think my parents haven’t put more protection charms over the house since the last time they tried to get me out” the younger boy informed Remus of more obstacles which needed to be considered when getting Regulus out.

“Well as James says “we’re the marauders, nothing can go wrong”. I think the statement could be wrong cause I’m never caught but oh well. Ok, here’s the tower” Remus looked up at the painting which would let them into the common room.

[elmswriting]

Sirius&James @mighty-prongs​

Summer, 1976 (right?)

It hadn’t been planned. It had been one of those impulses, his ability of thought washed away with the waves of anger that crashed through his mind. He hadn’t been planned, no, and Sirius hadn’t been quite sure of what he was doing, what it all meant. No, wrong. Sirius knew. He had thought about it plenty. He knew that he would erase himself from the family bound by blood. He knew it meant the end. His teenage mind, rather, couldn’t apprehend truly all that would entail. What it really would mean. He knew deep down that this is what he needed to survive, that he would follow relatives into madness - brought on either by inbred genetics or from the maddening pacing of a trapped animal never allowed to roam free - if he had stayed. If he had forced himself to play the part he had never wanted, never asked for, had no desire to play. He wanted rid of that. He wanted rid of the expectations, the heavy traditions, the lack of any understanding or wellbeing for the individual rather than always always being about the family. 

But had Sirius understood that it would mean that he could never come crashing through Regulus’ door again, to gleefully annoying the younger brother that was so unlike him that Sirius couldn’t help but love? He knew, in theory, what it meant. What it meant that he would never be invited into Orion’s study for discussion and tutoring, to feel that heavy hand on his shoulder, or those moments when mother played the piano and everything was alright, for a while. He could imagine the concept. He wasn’t able to feel it. Hadn’t thought through that it meant pushing Regulus - unprepared, oft ignored but better son from the beginning - into the role Sirius now had refused. 

All in all, Sirius had never liked it at home. The brief moments of joy and familiarity was too often shadowed by the heaviness of the air at Grimmauld. When he first had heard stories that James had spun about his family life, Sirius had thought it fairytales. And then Remus seemed to have a similar, but not entirely same, spin on it. Peter, no. Peter had had a more normal stance on family life. James, Hogwarts, meeting the outside world hadn’t planted the frustration Sirius had always felt, the anger and sadness and hopelessness, but it had nurtured it, encouraged the feelings that he could have something else. 

And thus, that evening, Sirius had tugged out his trunk, filled it with all the letters he had saved from summers past from Peter, the mirror from James, the drawings of Remus laughing, reading, clothes he couldn’t leave behind, precious books, the leather notebook and pencils Regulus had gifted him the past Christmas. The essentials of Sirius - the essentials of him that he had been allowed, or been able to sneak by - thrown into the trunk with a teenage boy’s gangly anger. And then, he had opened the window, levitated it outside (having learned one of the very, very, very few weaknesses of Orion’s fortifications that had allowed him to slip out, to drag himself back home drunk), and jumped after it. He hadn’t looked back, the feeling of it being real rather than just a few days away on a holiday, to punish his parents, to put his foot down. He hadn’t looked back. Maybe he should’ve. Would it had been a difference? Maybe, for his own emotions, later. 

Sirius hadn’t his bike back then. Hadn’t a broom (that was Regulus’ thing). Apparation would be too far for him, too risky in his anger, in his non-licenced novice. Sirius had dragged his trunk the posh London street, saw waiting for the Knight Bus to come collect him.

It hadn’t even rained that evening. 

It hadn’t even rained. 

It all felt so very summery, so happy, so promising, when he later that night stood underneath James’ window, head tipped back to look up at it. He felt his soul yearn for the boy inside. James, James that had rocked his world so, that fateful day they met at the train, and ever since. Where else would he go? He didn’t like to intrude, and he had always felt rather weird the times he had been allowed to stay at the Potters, unused to the warmth and familiarly the Potters showed James, showed him. But where else? Remus had his sickly mother, and they weren’t that kind of best friends that he could just pop along and claim Remus’ place as his own. Peter, never, too miserably, too same-same. Potter, then. And it hadn’t even been an option, a conscious decision. He had just gone there. Followed his heart. 

Sirius threw a pebble, two, three, up at James’ window, waiting for the boy to save him, once again.

[risetherivermoon]

How To Not Die Young - Chapter 26

---

"Because no matter what Sirius fears, and thinks, and what keeps him up at night. All that it is, is a building. A house. There are people inside, and there are arguments and fights and violence. Those things are scary, but it isn't a haunted house. There aren't monsters lurking in the shadows, or under his bed. There aren't unusually large spiders, there aren't vampires or werewolves. It's a house, and there are people inside."

---

So he isn't scared of monsters, and he isn't scared of mothers. For once, Sirius isn't terrified of that house. Maybe he isn't scared at all, maybe he's just…sad. Maybe Sirius isn't worried or terrified over this family, maybe he just feels an overwhelming sense of love for his family, of love for his brother and his friends, for his real parents and for his lover. And an overwhelming lack of it for his mother, and his father, and that damn house.

Maybe he's so full of love that it terrifies his mother. Sirius doesn't feel bad, he knows that it isn't his fault that she is this way and that her actions are her own. But Sirius feels sad for her, that she doesn't get to experience love and life. That she’s so cold and locked away.

Sirius hates to see that take over Reggie. He hates to see Regulus sad and miserable because he doesn't want him to live a life full of that. Reggie deserves the world, and people won't see that. Walburga will never see Reggie in the light that Sirius does, and that makes him sad for her, yet maybe it's for the better, maybe she doesn't deserve to. Because Sirius will do anything to see his little brother happy.

Sirius will swim across the ocean for him. He would die for him, kill for him. But most importantly, Sirius would live for him. He hopes that Regulus would too.

Sirius looks around now, at his friends as they lay out on the grass during lunch. He's filled with love. James laying his head in Peter’s lap, laughing at a joke Frank is making, while Marlene is braiding Alice’s hair and Mary is humming to a song that only she and Lily can hear through the earbuds they are sharing. He's sitting on the grass, waiting for Moony to finish getting out the books he's using for studying. He should be back soon, just going to his locker.

---

sirius pov! gasp

this one is another sad one lads

(small tw for the use of the F slur)

---