Chapter Text
James was sitting in a compartment with Sirius and Peter. The train took off not long ago and Remus abandoned them for a Perfect meeting.
They were all surprised when Remus told them the news. "Can't believe Moony got perfect, I didn't think Dumbledore would let him." Peter commented.
"What's that supposed to mean" Sirius asked jaw clinched.
"He didn't mean it like that Pads" James defended.
"Yeah I only meant that people like him are oppressed, it's a real problem."
"Right" Sirius said, with a huff.
"At least we'll have a Perfect on our side when we pull pranks" James switched the subject.
Sirius smiled at that, "speaking of pranks, we have to come up with a really good one."
"I've been thinking about it over the summer. There has to be a weather spell that we can put on the roof. If we make it rain indoors everyone will get soaked" Peter said with enthusiasm.
"That's a good idea wormy. We'll have to talk to Moony about it" James complimented.
"How was your summer by the way" Peter asked, James froze glancing towards Sirius.
"It was good" Sirius responded, eyes fixed out the window.
"That's good, usually it's bad after the holidays" Peter said, making Sirius shrink slightly in his seat.
"Sirius is stay at mine from now on," Peter looked surprised. "Really, what happened?"
"Walburga was being a bitch as always so I left" Sirius shrugged.
James didn't comment if Sirius didn't want Peter and Remus to know how bad it was he wasn't going to tell them.
It isn't his place.
"I'm happy for you" Peter smiled, "does Remus know?"
"Not yet, ran off before I could tell him" Sirius was anxiously tapping his fingers.
James needed to change the subject, "Pete what does your schedule look like this year" Sirius shit him a grateful look.
"Oh, I tested out of herbology" he said proudly.
"I always knew you were a nerd at heart" Sirius joked making Peter roll his eyes.
"I'll be back, I have to use the loo" James said causally. He walked out of the compartment and headed to the back of the train.
He stopped in his tracks when he sees him. In an empty compartment, head slumped against a window.
Regulus Black, Sirius's younger brother.
The boy who clinged to Sirius at the beginning of 2nd year.
The boy Sirius had protected from Walburga and Orion.
The boy who stayed silent.
The boy responsible for half of the scars that now reside on Sirius's body.
To say James is angry would be an understatement, James is furious. He wasn't planning on confronting Regulus but he was right there.
So instead of going to the bathroom he walked over to Regulus's compartment and slipped in.
Regulus barely looked up at him, "What do you want Potter"
"He protected you for years, he took every punishment and this is how you repay him" James spit every word.
"I never asked him to do that" Regulus's voice was cold and cruel.
"You didn't have to" James scoffed "He's your brother"
"Was my brother, now he's a blood traitor. Just like you"
The only emotion James felt was red hot rage. He wanted to hurt Regulus just like the boy hurt Sirius.
"You really believe all that bullshit, don't you?" Regulus ignored the question.
"Your blood doesn't make you any better than anyone else!" He was close to yelling.
"I disagree" he said it so calmly, like nothing James said mattered. It only angered him more.
"You're a coward"
"I never claimed to be anything else"
"How can you-"
"He's out now Potter isn't what you wanted" Regulus snapped. "I don't know what your expecting to accomplish"
"You cut him, he was bleeding out. He would've died if my mom wasn't there"
"But she was"
Regulus's eyes met his, they stayed like that for a few seconds. His eyes were mesmerizing, like Sirius's but not quite.
James can always tell what Sirius is feeling from his eyes, with Regulus he has no clue.
There are a thousand secrets hidden under them. James wants to know every single one.
Regulus pulled his gaze back out the window, staring at the passing trees.
"He had to hate me Potter" Regulus's voice is small, almost childlike. "He wouldn't of left if he thought I was worth saving"
He was right, James had been asking Sirius since 1st year to come stay with him. Sirius always had the same excuse.
Reggie needs me, I can't leave him
James had told Sirius to bring Regulus with him so many times, but he always shut that idea down. James wants to know why.
"You could've came with him"
"To live with mudblood sympathizers" Regulus scoffed, voice hard again. "I would rather die"
James doesn't understand him and he doesn't think he ever will.
Before he can reply he hears a voice beside him. "Look what we have here"
James turns his head to find Barty Crouch Jr and Evan Roiser, both looking at his with distain.
"Piss off Crouch" James pushed past both boys, he's done with this conversation. He needs to go find his friends.
As he walks away, James determined that there's only one good thing about Regulus Black, his eyes.
"What was that about" Barty asked, sitting down opposite from him.
"Sirius" Regulus said, shortly, his expression cold. He was smart enough to know that Sirius would never join the Dark Lord. He just never thought Sirius would abandon him.
"I think I heard about that" Evan stated "he ran away to the Potters, didn't he?" Regulus hummed in agreement.
"Don't worry mate I'm sure he'll realize he made a mistake and come crawling back" Barty said, it was his attempt to comfort Regulus.
The words that come out of his mouth only do because Regulus doesn't trust the two boys in front of him. Not with the defiant thoughts he had.
"Even if he does it won't matter" Regulus stated with a smirk, "I burned him off the tapestry myself"
That was true, Sirius was disowned and Regulus had been the one to do it but it's not like Sirius wanted to be a Black anyway.
He's too good, too brave
Everything Regulus does he does out of fear.
Barty laughed, looking almost proud. Regulus couldn't help but smile.
Evan looked mildly concerned, but he doesn't say anything. Barty's the one that spoke
"He better get used to a life as a blood traitor then" Barty's grin has a way of making Regulus's knees weak.
"He brought it on himself, making friends with filthy mudbloods and blood traitor. I'm shocked he lasted this long" This wasn't anything new to Regulus, he was used to playing this part.
Usually he was able to drop it at Hogwarts, Sirius stole that luxury from him. Any freedom Regulus had left with Sirius.
"You sure your okay" Evan always seemed to want to talk about feelings. It's one of the things Regulus hates about him.
"Don't be so dramatic Evan" Regulus dismissed.
"I don't know what I'd do if Pandora left"
"Sirius isn't Pandora" Regulus replies quickly.
"Reg is right, Sirius isn't nearly as hot" Barty smirked. Regulus's gut twists with something he can't describe.
"If you touch Dora I swear to Salazar i'll-"
"Dorcas" Regulus said, interrupting their fighting, as a dark skin girl with braids opens the door to their compartment.
Dorcas is a year older than them. They became friends when Regulus got bumped up a year in potions.
She has her own group of friends so Regulus wasn't expecting to see her until they got to school.
She slides into the seat next to him "How was your summer, Reg"
"Good enough" She looks him up and down and then nods.
They'll talk later
"What about you Barty" she asked "good summer?" It was mostly just pleasantries, she was always more his friend than theirs.
"Same old, Same old" Barty shrugged.
"Imperius again" Evan asked, "How long". He seemed mad, Regulus knows he should be mad too, but he's too tired.
Plus if he gets mad at Barty's father, he'd have to get mad at his own for the same reason.
"Most of the summer" Barty said, dismissively. "Can we talk about something else"
"Sure" Dorcas smiled, but her words were filled with pity. "Evan, what about you?"
"Yeah, it was mostly just me and Dora. Our parents have been busy recruiting"
"They told you that" Barty asked, curiously. His interest in the Dark Lord had been growing.
It was Regulus fault, he was the first to mention him around Barty. Evan already knew by the the time Regulus found out.
"Nah, Dora did. I think she overheard them talking"
Regulus knows the truth. It feels weird knowing something about Pandora, Evan doesn't. Then again he hasn't told Pandora yet either.
He only knows because of his family library. Before Sirius left, when no one paid much attention to Regulus, he started doing some research.
Pandora knew things about Regulus, he never told her. She even knew things that hadn't happened yet.
Regulus wanted to know why. So he took it upon himself to find out. A part of him wished he hadn't, if his mother found out by legilimency than it would be on Regulus.
He would be the reason she's in danger.
"Do you reckon the Dark Lord will let me get the mark" Barty asked, forcing him from his train of thoughts.
Dorcas stiffened beside him, but doesn't say anything.
"I don't see why not" Regulus shrugged. "it would be after you graduate though, The Dark Lord doesn't mark children."
"That's a bummer" Barty said.
"Are you really going to go through with it" Dorcas asked, "Isn't your dad running for the Minister position"
"He might think your a spy or something" Evan added, it was obviously a desperate attempt to keep Barty away.
But since Regulus is a coward, and because he doesn't want to be in this alone, he answers before Barty can say anything.
"I can vouch for you Barty, having someone from the House of Black on your side is the best thing you can do"
"Thanks Reg" he said with a grin "he'll have to accept me with the heir standing beside me."
Evan looked up at Regulus annoyed and a little angry. Regulus can't bring himself to care.
They arrive at Hogwarts that evening. All students go straight to the great hall for the hat sorting and dinner.
Regulus doesn't pay much attention to either activities. When he makes it back to his dorm he doesn't bother unpacking.
Instead he decides to talk to Pandora. If he puts it off he may never tell her.
It's not safe. Not for anyone with her power. Not with a war brewing.
He got stuck at the entrance to Ravenclaw's common room. He hadn't exactly thought that part through.
Then a first year came out, upon seeing Regulus his eyes widened.
"Can you ask Pandora Rosier to come out, my name is Regulus Black"
"Fine" the boy said before turning and walking back inside. It only took a few moments for Pandora to come out.
"Why didn't you find me on the train" there's a slight frown on her face.
Her long white blonde hair was tied up in a pony tail, colorful clips decorating it. If Regulus has a best friend it's Pandora.
"I figured you were busy with your other friends"
"I always have time for you" she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Come on, let's go to the room"
They walked simultaneously, in comfortable silence. It didn't take long for them to reach the familiar wall.
Keature told Regulus about this room before he left for Hogwarts 1st year. He hadn't told Sirius, Keature never liked Sirius.
Pandora only knew about it because he wanted a place they could hangout without Evan constantly being around.
He's way too protective of Pandora.
Regulus started to pace back and forth in front of the wall until a door appeared.
"Come on let's go inside" Pandora grabbed his hand and pulled her inside the room. It was a small library a couch and 2 chairs in the middle of the floor. The walls covered in books.
"What did you want to talk about, it seemed important" her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"How did you know about my dad?" Regulus asked.
"I told you, I had a dream"
"Do you have dreams like that often"
"Dreams like what?" She avoided eye connect with him. Walking towards one of the shelf's of the small library.
It hadn't occurred to Regulus that Pandora could've figured it out herself. Of course she knew, Pandora's smart, too smart for her own good.
"You know then."
Pandora looked up, something resembling fear in her eyes. "Please don't tell anyone."
"Of course I'm not going to tell, Dora."
"Not even your Dark Lord" her words were bitter.
They used to be closer, he meet her on the train, before he met Evan or Barty. Last year when the Dark Lord started to come out of the shadows, a lot of things went to shit.
His relationship with Pandora and Dorcas became strained. His brother seemed to hate him even more and his father-
His father wanted to celebrate.
Pandora would always say that following the Dark Lord will lead to his death.
He should've put the pieces together back then. Now that he's thinking about it, Pandora being a seer is obvious.
"You need to stop telling people about your dreams" he said, not dignifying her question with a response. "If I figured it out other people can"
"I don't tell many people, just you and Evan. I know it's dangerous. I'm not stupid. I haven't told anyone I'm a seer."
"I didn't say you were Dora, but-"
"Evan wouldn't do that to me. He wouldn't" She said, shaking her head. "If anything I have to worry about you"
"Dora, I won't tell anyone and I know enough occlumency to keep my family from finding out" He wasn't sure who he was trying to convince.
Regulus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Evan won't be able to resist legilimency."
Realization crossed over her face. She knew he was right, "Okay" she nodded. "I'll stop, it's just if I can change the outcome, shouldn't I at least try"
"The future is going to happen whether you want it to or not."
She looked up at him, a few tears falling from her blue eyes. "I don't want you to die"
Regulus crossed the room wrapping his arms around her. "Everyone dies Dora" he felt his shirt get wet from her tears.
They stayed like that for a while, until Pandora calmed down. She pulled away from his chest.
Her cheeks glistening, "I forgot to ask, how was your summer?"
"I have a feeling you already know"
She nodded, "we should get back, it's after curfew."
Regulus decided to walk Pandora back to her common room, he's going in that direction anyway.
"You don't have to walk me you know" Pandora reminded him for the 10th time, her arm looped around his.
"I'm meeting Dorcas on the roof anyways" Pandora simply nodded at his response.
The best way to climb onto the roof was a small window a little ways past the Ravenclaw entrance.
"This is me" Pandora said, her tone slightly sleepy, as if Regulus doesn't know where her common room resided.
"I'll see you tomorrow" Regulus said, turning to leave. Pandora stumbled at the sudden movement and their lips met. Both of their eyes widen.
"Detention for both of you" Some Hufflepuff Perfect said, startling both of them. They pull apart quickly, a blush creeping over Pandora's face.
"Shit" Regulus cursed
Mother won't be happy
"Oh come on Ella, It's the first day back" Pandora said with a slight pout.
"Pandora?" The Hufflepuff girl asked, with a surprised look. "You and Black, I didn't see that coming"
"Come on Ella let us off? Pretty Please" Pandora said with a pleading look.
"Fine, but only because I can't say no to that face" Ella stated. "And by the way you can find much better people to snog"
With that the girl turned and left. "Friend of yours?" Regulus questioned.
"More like a friend of a friend" Regulus nodded at her answer.
"You know this is gonna be all over school tomorrow, right?" Regulus said, looking at her unimpressed.
She rolled her eyes "I think I can do worse than the heir to the Noble and most Ancient House of Black"
"Goodnight Dora"
"Goodnight Reg"
Pandora disappeared into her common room and Regulus walked down the hall.
When he rounded the corner the window was already open. He felt bad, how long had Dorcas been waiting for him.
He climbed out the window and pulled his body up onto the ledge above it. Dorcas was sitting a little ways back from the edge, a spliff in her hand.
She passed it to him as he sat down next to her. "Me and Dora just got caught kissing." He said immediately.
She gave him a puzzled look, "I thought you were into Barty." His face flushed.
"How did you-"
"Your eyes light up every time you see him Reg. It's pretty obvious" Regulus takes a puff and releases the smoke, trying to calm his anxiety.
His face turned serious, "how obvious?"
"Relax I don't think anyone else notices. Except maybe Evan but I'm pretty sure he feels the same"
"Really? Evan's gay?"
She hummed as he passed her the spliff. "You know, Barty isn't gay"
"Neither am I"
"Sure Reg, Neither are you" she didn't believe him. She doesn't understand, a member of the House of Black can't be gay.That's part of the reason Alphard got disowned
"How'd you and Dora end up kissing?" She asks taking the spliff back between her lips.
"She went to give me a kiss on the cheek and I turned my head at the wrong moment. Some Hufflepuff perfect caught us"
"Detention?"
"No Dora got us out of it"
"Your turning into quite the Rebel Reg" Regulus chuckled at her joke, he far from me being a rebel.
The smile on her face dropped, "How was your summer?"
"I thought we went over this on the train" she shot him an annoyed look.
"I'm not high enough to talk about summer" she passed the spliff back, letting out a puff of smoke as she did.
"Barty told me about Sirius while you were asleep, now that you're the heir is your dad-" Regulus interrupted her, he didn't like the hope stirring in her voice.
"It hasn't stopped, if anything it's worse" Regulus said, avoiding eye contact. "Bellatrix has been training me, apparently I'm too weak to be the heir"
"That's bullshit" Dorcas scoffed, "Your the strongest person I know"
"I need to be better, The Dark Lord needs me to be better"
"You're going to get the mark, aren't you?" Her tone was tight.
They both knew the answer "I don't have the freedom of a choice in this."
"Don't you"
"I don't want to fight, that's all I do anymore, you, Dora, Sirius" he sighed before inhaling a mouthful of smoke and letting it sit in his chest. After a few seconds he let the smoke fall from his lips in little rings.
"I have some time before, let's just enjoy it" Dorcas nodded at him.
"I wish I could convince you not to do it" there was something in her voice.
Resentment, pity? Regulus couldn't tell
"They almost killed him Dora, Potter told me without his mom he would've died".
Regulus knew she heard the guilt in his voice. "I hurt him too, cut him."
"Were you under the imperius?"
"That hardly matters"
"Yes it does" Dorcas's voice was angry. Regulus didn't respond, mostly because he didn't know what to say.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while before Dorcas broke it. "You don't really want all muggleborns to die"
"It doesn't matter what I want, it never did" Those words hang heavy in the air. Dorcas lit another spliff.