pulled apart seires ~ everyone is lost in the world as the man soon to be called the dark lord rises to power. your parents are already ready to give their life along with your own for this man. you spend your seventh year in gogwarts being pulled apart by the expectations for you and the hope placed in you by your childhood friend sirius and his closest companions. (regulus, sirius, james and remus x reader) ~ incomplete
james potter:
strawberries*~ being a waitress at a high-end restaurant was exhausting, the new line cook seems to make things just a little better though. fluff
best not to cry over spilled milk* ~ being the black house’s heir means you brother hates you. at least his best friend doesn’t. angst
minnie’s daughter* ~ when james finds out his favorite proffesser has a daughter he can’t seem to keep her form his head. fluff
then kiss me again ~ james is just about the worst project partner especially when hes staring at lily all the time, something that makes you want to throw up. fluff
your dog ~ you were sure that sirius had never really liked you, even with all the flirting he did. But when he gets stuck as a dog and ends up in your bed, things might change ~ fluff
magnolia*- royal AU sirius is a prince and your a baker girl who sneaks into his garden part 1-fluff w/ angst ending part 2-angstyishpart 3-final part
i wish- you’re sirius’ girlfriend, but james is pretty sure hes in love with you. angst
heartbeat* (completed) ~ sirius plays a game with a few others to see who can sleep with you first: part 1-angstpart 2-angst w/ feelgoodending
three fatal words ~ sirius sucks at relationships and he lashes out at you when he realizes he loves you. angst w/ fluff ending
never forget ~ you finally your fiance again after 12 years of imprisonment for a crime he didnt commit. fluff
i don’t love ~ you don’t belive in love, you belive in lust and attraction. you’re a heartbreaker through and through, Sirius understands. angst w/ fluff ending
painted books ~ sirius ruins something important to you in a prank, and when he realizes it he tries to apologize. fluff
not so perfect sister* (completed) ~ being a potter is easy until your sorted into slytherin and treated like an outsider by your entire family, even when your brothers asshole friend is excepted: part 1part 2 angst w/ fluffy ending
remus lupin:
stupid dance, stupid teenagers ~ remus watches you form afar and his friends try to convince him to ask you to a dance he doesn’t even want to go to. fluff
deal ~ uou make a deal with lily and when she follows through your left having to confess. fluff
regulus black:
better~ being a muggleborn dating regulus meant you had to keep it a secret. When your older sister finds out she raises fear of heartbreak in both of you. angst
lily evans:
sweater ~ Girls aren’t supposed to have crushes on other girls. so why they hell did you fall in love with your best friend? angst
summary: being a muggleborn dating Regulus meant you had to keep it a secret. When your older sister finds out she raises fear of heartbreak in both of you
♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~
You and your sisters had been born jealous. Petunia turned to envy first as the attention that had been solely given to her was split between two other daughters. She had always been bitter towards you and Lily, never forgiving you for interpreting her perfect young life. She had taken your things, broken your toys and ripped your clothes trying to punish you for being born and turning her from an only child to the eldest.
Lily was next when she realised she wasn’t the only one who could sprout fire from her fingertips. She had accused you of faking your magic for years, doing everything she could to best you even if she never fully understood her powers herself. Luckily she outgrew this jealous fit and by the time you shared a cabin on your way to Hogwarts she was beaming ear to ear.
It was you who was last to realise what the burn in your chest really meant. The feeling came heavy like thick rain drops as you watched your sister fall so effortlessly in love. Each time she gave James a quick hug or leaned onto his shoulder your eyes narrowed, fury irrationally rising in your throat.
This wasn’t because you wished James was yours instead. In fact you had considered him an idiot since you met him and would have rather drown yourself than date the loud mouth fool. You were instead jealous of the simplicity of their relationship. Envious of how they could be carefree, how they could dream of picket fences and happy futures. You hated that they could still be stupid kids. How they were given the freedom to make out in hallways and sneak into eachothers dorms with their worst consequence being a slap on the wrist and week of detention. Nothing hurt more than watching your sister live a simple life you knew you never could.
You stared across the room locking eyes with Regulus for only a brief moment before his darted away. Charms was dreadfully boring, the lecture practically putting you to sleep, you knew you should have been paying attention, but watching the younger Black perform the spell with ease was far more interesting. The flick of his wrist was an addicting, dull look in his eyes far more attractive than it should have been. He had woken up late that morning, his hair messier than usual. You thought it looked adorable, the way a few strands drooped in front of his lashes. He only got cuter as he blew them from his face with a pout.
“You have a staring problem.” Levi muttered from beside you.
You rolled your eyes, “Do you ever mind your own business?”
“Please, you make your thing for Black everyone’s business.” He muttered and you kicked him under the desk.
Cussing at you he glared, leaning down to massage his bruising shin.
You wondered briefly how he would have reacted to the reveal of your relationship with your “hopeless crush” as he liked to call it. The surprise on his face would have been sweet as honey.
Regulus was watching you now as you continued to talk to your desk mate, he had never liked the boy, call it jealousy or anger, something bitter always rose in his throat when he saw you with him. Maybe it was because he knew your life would be so much easier if you had loved him instead.
“I don’t get what you see in him anyway.” Levi said, looking across at Regulus whose eyes had quickly retreated back to his parchment.
You grew brittle at the statement.
“I mean I know he’s attractive but if it’s really about looks why not go for his brother?” He grumbled.
You scoffed, “Please, Sirius is a piece of work.”
“And he isn’t? I’m surprised he hasn’t called you a slur yet.”
Rage bubbled in your stomach, your chest feeling hot, “Shut up.”
Levi was either oblivious to the anger set in your tone or unbothered by it “I mean really y/n, you have a crush on a purist? It’s sickening.”
You screwed your eyes shut in an attempt to stop the hot tears building behind them. You wanted to scream at him, slap him across the face and shout how Regulus would never do such a thing. You wanted to tell him how wrong he was, make him regret ever speaking such cold words. But instead you looked away, wiping your tears as they came while your boyfriend sat across the room pretending you didn’t exist.
You were used to it, you knew as a muggleborn dating a pureblood from a family like his would never be easy but the words still stung. That night you sobbed into Regulus’s chest as he held you in your usual hidden courtyard.
As your tears soaked through his sweater he felt nothing but the cold grip of guilt. He had never meant to fall in love. He had known it was a mistake the second it had happened. Even now he knew he had been wrong and stupid and naive to let himself feel so deeply for someone he could never truly be with. He would never forgive himself for forcing you into the hellish life he lived with a simple confession. He hated himself every day for it, he didn’t deserve to indulge in his emotions knowing it would cause you nothing but pain. He didn’t deserve you and he had known that from the start.
Yet every night you met, kissing under the pale moon until your lips grew numb. Everynight he found himself falling deeper and deeper into you until you filled his dreams and nightmares alike. So he forced you closer to him, knowing he would cause nothing but hurt. And you were so childishly in love you let him.
Later as you lay asleep on his chest, legs tangled beneath a blanket he let his own tears go, silent apologies dripping down his cheek as he tightened his grip on your waist.
Lily watched you from where she sat at her table, green eyes narrowed as she tried to read your mind across the dining hall.
“Something is definitely off.” She mumbled turning to James who stared at her with a dopey grin. “You haven’t been listening to a word I said have you?”
“How can I when you’re so beautiful?” He murmured back and she scoffed, face darkening.
Sirius gagged, “You guys are disgusting.”
“Christ Black, how old are you?” Lily spoke with the roll of her eyes.
He scrunched his nose and pretended to mock her silently only earning a sigh from Remus who sat beside him.
“Something is wrong with y/n, I can just feel it.” Lily continued content on ignoring Sirius.
“Maybe she’s dating that Callahan kid.” James offered. “There’s been tons of rumors.”
Lily scoffed, “Please, she has told me multiple times she has absolutely no interest in him.”
“A few months ago you were telling her you had absolutely no interest in James.” Remus offered not to look up from his book.
Lily sputtered blushing heavily again, “That is completely different.”
“Sure it is.” Remus drawled, eyes peering over the cover at her.
Lily furrowed her brow, “But why wouldn’t she tell me? I mean I thought we’ve always been close.”
“Maybe it’s not that serious.” Sirius shrugged, “Maybe they’re just fuck buddies or something.”
Lily pulled back in disgust, “Don’t talk about my little sister like that!” she hissed as Remus kicked him under the table.
“What? She’s almost 17! It’s not like she’s 12 or something, Godric.” Sirius complained and James threw a spoon at him.
“You know if you’re really that curious we could always just check the map.” James said looking over at Lily who was trying to set Sirius on fire with her glare.
She considered it for a moment, “Isn’t that kind of..” she paused “intrusive?”
He shrugged, “She’s your little sister.”
The sky was dark that night as you met with Regulus. The moon was new leaving only the blinking stars to light the ground beneath you.
You grinned when you saw Regulus leaning against the small statue in the middle of the courtyard. You quickened your pace pulling him into a brief kiss as you met.
“Hi.” You whispered against his lips and you felt him smile.
“Hi.” He responded, hands on your waist pulling you closer once again.
You tasted sweet like the nectar of the gods, soft and tender in his arms. Your hair smelt of pomegranate, your flowery perfume engulfing him. There was nothing more addicting on this world than your lips.
You both pulled away breathless and grinning stupidly, “Your hair looks so cute like this.” You mumbled running your hands through it and tugging lightly on a curly lock that had fallen down his forehead.
Regulus practically purred, melting into your touch. He dipped his head low to hide his blush, lips skimming the skin of your neck.
You giggled as he mumbled a bashful thank you before nipping slightly below your ear. He was always careful to never leave marks that could be seen the following day. You wished he wasn’t.
You felt his hands on the back of your thighs lifting you off the ground. You wrapped your arms around his neck and buried your nose in his hair as he walked until your back hit the wall of the castle. You scratched your nails lightly against his scalp and Regulus groaned. You gasped at the feeling of his tongue on your jaw as he pressed you further into the stone. Your legs now wrapped around his waist as he left sloppy kisses on your collar bone.
It was then you heard the shuffle of footsteps.
“Regulus.” You whispered and he broke away to look up at you, his lips red and glossy , “I heard someone.”
He slowly lowered you to your feet, “You sure?”
You nodded and you both stood silently, ears craning for another sign of life among you. After a minute you sighed, “Sorry, I must have been hearing things.”
Regulus just shook his head grinning lightly, “ ‘s fine babe.” words slurring, intoxicated by your taste.
Your lips reconnected, his teeth grazing your bottom lip as you began to work on the buttons of his shirt, tugging on his tie to loosen its knot. But there it was again the soft sound of feet, closer this time.
You both paused Regulus pulling away leaving your skin feeling cold in his absence.
“Who’s there?” He demanded into the darkness, wand lit.
There was no response and you grabbed his hand to pull him back to you. Regulus stood his ground so you leaned into him, lips ghosting against his ear.
“It’s probably just a mouse or somethin’.” You murmured hands coming back to undo the remaining buttons of his shirt.
Regulus glanced around once more before looking down at you, “You’re probably right.” he said before he began to untuck your blouse, hands sliding slowly under it.
It was that which finally broke Lily, her vision going red. She stepped from beneath the invisibility cloak ignoring James’ protests.
You let out a small yelp as your sister appeared from thin air, Regulus who had his back turned to her immediately drew his wand pushing you lightly behind him. His eyes went wide as he found himself inches from your older sister. It was your turn to pull Regulus behind you.
“Lily, What in bloody hell are you doing here?”
When James sheepishly appeared as well you gasped, “What is wrong with you both, are you stalking me?”
Lily looked stern, her arms crossed, “Why are you with him?” she seethed.
Your eyes narrowed, “None of your fucking buissnes. Now take your dog and leave.”
Regulus almost didn’t believe it was you that was talking. He wasn’t accustomed to the harsh tone you used, your anger hardly ever directed at him.
“This is most certainly my business!” She spoke shrilly.
“It is most certainly not. Now get out.” You shouted.
“How can you expect me to leave when you’re getting all touchy feely with a purist?” She hissed, grabbing at your wrist to pull you away from the boy behind you. You slapped her away so hard the sound echoed off the walls, “Call him that again around me and you’ll fucking regret it.” You growled.
Lily stepped back surprised by your sudden aggression but not backing down, “Please y/n, I’m just calling it as it. The sooner you realise that the better.”
Regulus felt his throat tighten as he listened, teeth biting into his lip as he had nowhere to look but his feet.
You stepped closer to your sister inches from her face, “Leave.” your voice struck heavy.
Lily responded just as harshly, “No.”
James shifted behind his girlfriend feeling like he was intruding on the fight which was taking place. Sensing his awkwardness you looked back at him with a searing gaze.
“Get out Potter, you have no place here.” You spat.
He was planning on shuffling away when Lily turned back to him angrily, “No James stay.”
You scoffed as he did as he was told, “Fucking pet.”
“Don’t speak to him like that.” Lily scolded.
“You’re the one who’s calling my boyfriend a purist.” You growled your mouth bitter at the taste of hypocrisy.
“Because he is one!” She bit back. “You really think he actually loves you after being raised how he was? With a mother like his?”
Regulus felt like he had been slapped, his cheek stinging as the older girl spoke.
“Don’t you dare bring up his mother.” You were shaking with rage by now, your face streaked with angry tears, “And how dare you speak ill of Regulus simply because of his upbringing as if his brother isn’t one of your closest friends. How do you think Sirius would feel hearing what you just said?”
This took Lily back a step, her rage cooling a bit as she realised her mistake, “It’s different,” She tried to recover, “He isn’t with his family anymore. Sirius has already broken away from them. He made the choice any good person would.”
Regulus felt her eyes on him as she spoke. She was no longer interested in her sister and instead focused on him. He felt like he was choking under the pressure of her stare. When he glanced up to meet her gaze he inhaled sharply. He hadn’t seen such hatred in a long time.
Your lashes were thick with tears by now, disgust and fury morphing your face, “Go fuck yourself Lily.” You spat.
She ignored you, gaze locked on Regulus, she had no intention of speaking to you anymore, “You stay away from her.” she demanded, “If you truly love her you stay away from her.”
You shouted lunging forwards and shoving your sister backwards. She stumbled back catching herself.
It was you who fell, your feet tangling, forcing you to the ground. You hit hard, hands and knees scraping against stones and moss which made up the floor. You couldn’t find it in you to stand up simply letting exhaustion and misery take you where you lay. You shook with sobs, voice cracked and raw. Lily immediately dropped beside you, hands circling your neck as she drew you into a hug. You fought her as you always did but she held on, letting you beat her chest with your fists until you stilled.
Regulus took a step forward but was stopped by your sister whose glare told him everything he needed to know. Tears pricking his own eyes he stumbled past the two of you and disappeared into the darkness of the dungeons. He didn’t hear James shout for him over the sound of the ring in his ears. He wasn’t sure where he ended up, somewhere deep in the depths of the sprawling castle, dust coated the staircase he collapsed onto. Only there did he let himself cry, choking sobs rubbing his throat raw as he looked for someone to blame. His mother for forcing him into the terrifying world of dark magic? His brother for abandoning him in his abusive home? Or your sister for pointing out the truth he prayed you would never see? Regulus wished he could pass the blame off to anyone but he wasn’t stupid, he knew he had no one to hate but himself.
Regulus disappeared entirely for three days. Three days you spent desperately avoiding your sister who seemed just as adamant to talk to you again. You skipped meals opting for hunger instead risking meeting her in the hall. She would show up outside your classes forcing you to scramble out the back way or sprint away like a child running from punishment.
On the fourth day of your boyfriend’s absence you felt yourself beginning to panic. Fear of him never returning, filling your head with irrational thoughts. It wasn’t like you could ask around for him, your relationship needed to remain secret despite the difficulties you were facing. It was then Lily cornered you.
You stared at the redhead as she blocked your only exit. “Lily, move.” You sighed exhausted by the past few days, sleepless nights not improving your condition.
She didn’t listen, “Y/n we need to talk.”
“About what?” You scoffed, “I have nothing to say to you.”
“I just want you to understand why I,” She paused, “Why I said what I did.”
“I don’t care why you said it Lily.” You said, “I don’t care if you think you were protecting me or saving me from some hopeless relationship. I honestly don’t care.”
Her eyes swelled, “How can you say that? How can you not care? I love you y/n I just want you to be safe.”
You stared at her, “I just don’t understand why you couldn’t just let me be happy.”
“He’s dangerous.”
You shook your head, “No, his family is dangerous. His situation is dangerous. He’s not.”
“Y/n please.” She begged, for what you did not know.
“Just stay out of my shit Lily.” you mumbled pushing past her and back into the hallway.
You spent the night where you always had, the small courtyard hidden between two towers of the castle, a statue of a woman draped in vines and flowers at its center. The moon was a small sliver, a dusting of clouds blocking the stars from your view. The shuffle of footsteps brought your eyes from the ground.
There stood Regulus, his face shining in the pale light. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, nose pointed at the floor as he refused to meet your gaze.
You stood quickly throwing your hands around his neck. He leaned into your touch burying his head into your shoulder as his hands found your waist.
You smelled delightful as always, your lips soft against his cheek and hands in his hair. Regulus hadn’t realized he was crying until you began to comfort him. Sweet words whispered into his ear as you only held him tighter.
“She’s right, you know.” He croaked, lifting his head to look at you. “You shouldn’t be around me.”
You shook your head feverishly, “You’re wrong Reggy.”
“I don’t deserve you y/n, I don’t deserve to be with you.” He sobbed, “I could never deserve you.”
“You’re right, love.” You mumbled, smiling through the tears that coated your cheeks, “You deserve so much better.”
Requested: Yes! By an anon asking for Regulus wit-battle type of deal. A short blurb.
Summary: Your wit versus my wit is a greater (and far more entertaining) battle than those fought by men without mercy.
YOU HATED studying.
It was drastically boring.
But one thing that was far more entertaining that could be achieved by following the ideaof studying was the person who always happened to be at the library whenever you went.
Regulus Black was undeniably attractive. Hanging out at the library with a book in his hand and a mug of coffee on the table where he read. A boyish smirk was his natural appearance and the curls on his head, swayed with every turn of the page. An attractive boy. It made studying or at least attempting to study much easier.
Boredom overtook you that spring morning and there Regulus sat, peacefully reading with that ever so annoying smirk on his face. With a surge of confidence, you slipped into the seat beside him, your own smirk playing on your lips.
You drag the book down from his eyes, those signature Black family eyes meeting you in an already playful tone. “Hi, L/N.”
“Hi, Black.”
“What brings you here?”
His tone was nipping already like a puppy. You wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing you flush just at the sound of his voice. “Boredom. Wouldn’t seek you out if it wasn’t there.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, really?”
“You’ve got that right.” you smirk. “Or perhaps it’s because I noticed that you happen to be at the library whenever I study.”
“Is that right?” he replied. “You call that studying?”
Your eyes glistened as he teased. “I try to be productive. At least I don’t brood.”
He smiled and the freckles on his face became more distinguished that you could count them if you wanted to. “Is this what you call being productive? Seems to me as though you’re itching to do something else. In fact, I’m starting to believe you didn’t come here to study at all seeing as your eyes have been on me since you arrived.”
The smirk on his face only grew larger. Regulus was looking to embarrass you but you wouldn’t allow him to do that so easily. “Stalker much? But you’re right. You caught me. I didn’t come here to study. I came here to watch the theatrics.”
His eyes squinted playfully in confusion. “Theatrics.”
“Yeah.” you grin. “You flirting with me has been quite entertaining. I’ve seen better though.”
His hands closed the book, motioning between the two of you. “So that’s what we’re calling this? Flirting?”
You stare him dead in the eye. “Yup.”
“And you’ve seen better?”
“Oh, definitely.” you nod.
He smirked. “I don’t doubt it. You’re quite the flirt yourself. I bet your mirrors are tired of hearing you compliment yourself every night.”
You let out a chuckle at that. “It is pretty lonely. Maybe you’d like to give me and the mirror a much appreciated break.”
He leans forward and you could feel your heart picking up speed. “I wouldn’t mind.”
“How about you start your shift tomorrow night in the empty Charms classroom?” you murmur, watching as his eyes trail your face.
He nods, pushing a stray hair out of your eyes. “And will I be getting paid for my shift?”
You grin. “Depends on your performance.” you push off the table, grabbing your bag from the other table. “I only expect the best compliments, Black.”
Regulus nods, a cheeky grin on his face as he returns to his book leaving both of you excited for many more witty encounters tomorrow night.
—
Let me know what you thought? Send an ask to be added to my taglist!
Warnings: None? Flower Shop AU (i always say my writing is shit so this is just a regular thing at this point) Combined it with the poem I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
Summary: I am a seedling. You are the sun. My love for you blossomed into hills of roses, violets and chrysanthemums.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Regulus Black bought flowers for his neighbor every Tuesday when she came home from school.
It was a secret he kept between him and the six year old girl from next door.
She was a cute child, bright eyes and big heart. Her parents did not come home till dinner and although they had not asked him, he kept a close eye on her. With this small job he observed certain things that never ceased to make him smile. The girl had a missing tooth and her favorite color was pink like the color of her backpack. She preferred dresses to skirts and liked to paint in small notebooks at the small playground down the street from his flat. More distinctly she was an avid lover of flowers, her favorite being violets because she was named after them.
So every Tuesday Regulus Black would bring Violet flowers. Nothing special, a bouquet from the grocery store that smelled like the generic flower spray they put on all the flowers. Violet would thank him and he’d watch as her parents arrived home and she’d smile and his heart would fall because he had no one he was waiting for to come home.
Violet was the only person he bought flowers for and he wasn’t sure if that saddened him or made him happier each day.
One day, the day before Violet’s birthday, he decided that she deserved the small purple hued flowers she loved so dearly but he knew that he wouldn’t find it at the store. So he inquired from the grocer where he could find a bouquet of violets and he replied with a name that stuck in his mind all morning.
“Le jardin d’argent.” He had replied. “The Silver Garden. One of the most magical places in London.”
Regulus had made his way down to the location, a quiet corner decorated brightly with flowers, vines, and leaves. And then his eyes fell on you and the corner of his lips turned upwards.
You stood over an array of blossoming flowers, sunhat on your head, watering can tucked in your hand. You smiled as you worked and when your eyes turned to his they were as bright as his neighbor’s daffodils.
You waved him over and sheepishly he came. “Hello, there-”
“Mr. Black.” he cut quickly, cheeks flaring pink at his quickness. “Regulus Black.”
“Well, Regulus, lovely to meet you.” you grinned, beautifully, if he may add. “What can I help you with today.”
“I… I need to buy some violets.”
Your eyes enlarged and a curious expression overtook your features. “That’s awfully specific. I’m glad you came to me.”
He nodded, following you inside. The air smelled of soil and earth, a scent he didn’t think he’d enjoy. Flowers blossomed from each and every corner and soft trickling water could be heard lightly leaving him with a euphoric feeling in the pit of his stomach. His eyes trailed you as you stepped into a small back area, returning with a pot of fully-grown violets.
Your fingers delicately traced the petals and Regulus couldn’t stop himself from watching. “These are African violets. Not the easiest to care for but simple enough once explained. You’ll want to keep them lightly moist and in warmer temperatures. Don’t transfer between pots until some of the leaves start to wilt, rooting is important with these flowers.”
He listened wholeheartedly as you explained the procedures with the utmost depth and care, eyes lighting up and fingers stroking the stem, petals and dirt. When you realized you were rambling your cheeks began to warm. “Sorry.” you mutter. “I get a bit carried away.”
“It’s fine.” Regulus replied. “I’d like to hear more about them. That is… if you’d like to share them with me.”
He was dumbstruck by his own bravery. A startled expression settled on your face. “I’d love to.”
Regulus scolded himself for his stupidity. He didn’t have a place. You can’t go on a date without a place in mind. Luckily, you pointed out the window to the shop across the street. “That’s a coffee shop over there. It’s pretty good.”
Regulus grinned. “Would you mind Saturday at noon?”
“Sure.” you answered quickly. You handed him the violets, fingers brushing against his for only a moment. “That’ll be ten pounds.” He reached into his pocket, exchanging the money with a shy smile before slipping out the door, the bell ringing in reminder of his date tomorrow.
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
You were beautiful in more ways than one.
The coffee date had gone well. So well, that now you had driven him to the lake. He had brought a stereo and old static plagued songs hummed over the radio. You smiled and wore a flowy white dress and leaves fluttered down on you.
All his life he’d been without consistent love or attention but now you were showering him with your own. Your light talk and over-joyous smile was all he needed to see to start on the spiral to slowly falling.
“Why did you come get flowers?” you asked curiously. “Who were they for?”
He flushed. “I have a six-year old named Violet as my neighbor… so the violets…”
“They were for her.” you finished with a sigh. “That’s so sweet, Regulus.”
He shook his head. “Some people make it easy.”
You smiled. “Wise words from someone as young as us.”
“As much as people love to play that wisdom comes with age, I am a firm believer that wisdom comes from experience and someone can experience a lot in a mere nineteen years of life.”
You chuckle, putting your head on his shoulder which caused his heart to drop. “See, wise words.”
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Your light and brightness would continue to run through the course of his life. It would flow through his veins as you became more connected to him. Lovers now, though the romance was newly afresh.
Regulus had never felt so loved. Loneliness seemed to fade as you awoke in his bed the next morning wrapped in sheets of cotton.
His arms were wrapped around you, rays of golden sun were shining through the partly open window. His lips pressed against your neck causing you to softly sigh. “What do you want to do this morning?” he murmured.
You giggled. “Nothing.”
“I’m fine with that.” he laughed, pulling you closer to him.
Outside, laughter filled the air as his neighbor played outside. Violet, the force that had gotten the two of you together. The both of you smiled. “That reminds me of when I was a girl. I liked to sing as I played though.”
“What would you sing?” he asked.
You grinned. “Oh, my darling. Oh, my darling. Oh, my darling, Clementine.”
Regulus listened to you sing, your voice echoing sweet melodies in his head and peacefully luring him to a state between sleep and consciousness.
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
Le Jardin D’Argent gained one more regular customer in the form of Regulus Black who would stop by as his girlfriend worked. He’d watch as she danced around the flower shop, watering blossoms and digging in dirt.
And after each and every shift you had, he would buy you flowers. He’d approach the registry with a smirk and a hand full of pounds.
“I’m inquiring on buying some daffodils?” he grinned.
You playfully rolled your eyes. “Who’re they for?”
He smirked. “I’d much rather not say.”
You’d smile and once the money was exchanged he’d bashfully hold out the bouquet to you which you took with a grin and a kiss to his cheek.
You were so lucky to have him.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
Every moment Regulus spent with you was a moment of joy, of life and filled with love to each of its creeping corners. You were brighter than the stars the two of you gazed on each night. You smiled wider than a man with an orange slice between his lips.
Spring was coming towards its end and summer was beginning to fade inwards. His love for you never did seem to fade instead growing like the plants you cared for so gently. He was the seedling, your love was the water and love bloomed beautifully, gracing the world with color.
Now you were teaching him to garden and he learned diligently by your hand.
“Reg, hand me the watering can?”
He did as you asked, watching as the water spilled from the small openings. “These are the morning glories, aren’t they?”
“Yup.” you responded. “They need to be kept evenly moist in order for them to root themselves quicker.”
Your house was much larger than his and frankly more beautiful. A garden thrived in the backyard portion and Regulus had even set up a small arrangement of flowers that he had begun to sprout, a new addition to your garden and they grew alongside yours in a way that brought him happiness, weirdly enough.
“I love your garden. It always feels like home.” he commented.
“Our garden.” you intervened.
He smiled.
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
Comfort was a gift Regulus Black had rarely known.
Yes, he was rich and yes, he grew up rich. However, as painstakingly simple as it was, no amount of money could buy love or affection, something his mother and father had lacked.
However, you slowly introduced him to the idea that not everybody was cold or shed away from touch. One of Regulus’s favorite things that you did was watch the sunset, backs against the warm grass in your backyard. It was enough to harbor small bits of affection but not enough to make him uncomfortable.
“Do you know what the Greeks thought about the sun setting?”
You looked at him curiously. “What did they think?”
He took your hand, guiding it with the arc of the sunset. The feeling caused both of you to flush. “When the Titans were in power, they believed that Helios was the titan of the sun and Selene was the titan of the moon. They controlled the functions of the sun and the moon, sunset and sunrise. When the titans reign was over, Apollo and his twin sister Artemis were then left to rule over the sun and the moon.”
“That’d be fun to control the moon.”
He nodded, turning to face you in the grass. “We can be them. Although, personally, I think you’re more of a sun person than a moon person.”
You grinned, pecking him once on the lips. “I agree. Regulus, the god of the moon.”
“Y/N, goddess of the sun.”
The sun set before them, the line between sun and moon thinning, the ability to see both a beautiful sight to behold.
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
Even when he was down or perhaps he had found his thoughts were folding in on themselves, you’d press light kisses against his skin and all those thoughts would go away. They’d sink back into a place where they’d be undisturbed.
You’d fill his heart and mind with happy thoughts and simple things that forced all unsettling things that may lurk in the corners of his mind. You’d read sweet stories or even better, sing him soft lullabies from those times you were a kid.
“Oh, my darling. Oh, my darling.”
By now he knew all the words to the simple tune and he’d murmur them along with you.
“Oh, my darling, Clementine. Oh, my darling. Oh, my darling. Oh, my darling, Clementine.”
Love was kind.
He was beginning to realize that.
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
What more could he say? Every week he continued bringing flowers to Violet and now she would wave hello to you as you watched her childish grin with a smile.
His flowers soon grew right beside yours. He would soon get a key to the front door and would know all your neighbors names by heart. Regulus would visit your flower shop everyday and flowers would soon be all around the house and he’d know the difference between annuals and perennials.
Life was perfect.
You had made it perfect.
Regulus stood above the flower shop, a paintbrush in his mouth as he stared at the freshly painted sign above the shop. You stood below him, gripping the base of the latter. “I think it looks good, don’t you think?”
“Yeah.” he replied, stepping down the latter and placing a kiss to your cheek. “It does.”
In his neat cursive, read the letters. Le Jardin Du Noir.
The Garden of Black.
The two of you smiled up at the sign, greeting the daily five thirty customer with a laugh.
—
Let me know what you thought? Send an ask to be added to my taglist :)
She stood abruptly. The clinks and clatters of silverware hitting plates echoed. The sixth-year Gryffindor stood tall at the side of the table, towering over the rest of the sitting family. The younger boy beside her shrunk in size, watching with terrified grey eyes. The boy across from her watched with determination and a smirk across his lips. The parents at each end of the table stared with distaste.
“You won’t lay a finger or a wand on Regulus.” Y/n said lowly, and Walburga smirked, placing her wine glass on the white table cover, “And who are you to tell me what to do?”
Walburga rose from her seat slowly, both hands on the table, “You’re just the disappointment of the family. The mistake.” She spat, “You are the last person who should be giving an order.”
“Leave her alone!” Sirius exclaimed, “Y/n did nothing, and you know it.”
Orion quirked an eyebrow, “Don’t act like we don’t hear your conversations in your bedroom, Sirius. Y/n here is dating that Potter boy.”
“She is?” Walburga chuckled, “Why, dear, continue to add to your list of mistakes.”
“This isn’t about me.” Y/n growled, “This is about Regulus, and so help me if I hear another word of you turning him into a death eater, I’ll go to Azkaban myself for your deaths.”
Regulus placed a soft hand on hers that laid on the white tablecloth, “Please….”
“I will take my wand,” Y/n continued, “and I will stick it to your throat. Maybe I’ll even do the crucio curse on you a few times so that you can understand what we went through as kids. But it’ll always end the same, with your dead bodies laying on the floor.”
Walburga whipped out her wand, muttering a silent spell Y/n froze, “We’ll see who’ll be giving out the unforgivables, dear.”
Sirius jumped from the table and ran in front of his sister before his mother could perform another spell. Regulus wanted to cry. Why were they going through all of this for him? It didn’t seem fair. Y/n had just blatantly threatened their parents with their deaths, and yet both brothers felt a sense of - what was it - pride? Was that bad of them? They shouldn’t be feeling this way.
“Don’t touch her.” Sirius seethed, “She’s unarmed and paralyzed. That would be low of you.”
“Since when do I care how low I go?” Walburga replied, glancing at Orion; his wand went to Regulus’s neck.
Sirius was panicking, “Take her and yourself up to your bedroom; otherwise, Regulus will feel much more than despair.”
He swallowed but obeyed his mother’s order. Carefully he scooped Y/n into his arms and walked up the multitude of steps. When he entered the bedroom, the door closed behind him immediately, and a click was heard. The door had been locked, and Sirius sighed. He laid Y/n down on his bed. It wasn’t until the following morning that the spell wore off.
Y/n rubbed her eyes and stretched her stiff limbs. It was early in the morning, and the sun was barely rising. Sirius was drawing in a sketchbook Remus had given him. She longed for fresh air, but the window was locked after they attempted to escape back in fourth year. Sirius’ head snapped up at the noise of her yawning.
“Morning, sis.”
“Morning, Siri.”
He hesitated, “How’re you feeling?”
“Stiff.” Y/n continued to stretch her arms, “But nothing I haven’t gone through before.”
Sirius smiled, “Quidditch has helped, hasn’t it?”
“Being the best Gryffindor Seeker takes work.”
Silence filled the room like greeting an old friend, seamless, calm, and straightforward. The Blacks were always well acquainted with silence, the twins more so. After being sorted into Gryffindor, they had to be. Sirius went back to sketching his book. The quill hit the parchment with a soothing scratching noise that Y/n adored so much.
If Y/n closed her eyes, she could remember being in the library with James for the first time. She could remember how messy his hair looked, how he tucked his teeth into his plush bottom lip, how his hands held the quill and wrote smoothly across the parchment, how his cheeks flushed a brilliant magenta when he caught her staring at him, how his hazel eyes glittered with mischief but admiration at the same time.
“Thinking about him again?” Sirius broke her out of her wistful reverie, “I haven’t gotten in contact with him over the mirror before you ask.”
Y/n shook her head, “I wasn’t gonna ask that. I just hope they don’t hurt him.”
“They won’t.” Sirius assured, “James is well protected between Euphemia and Fleamont. He’ll be fine.”
“What about Rem?”
“What about him?”
Y/n gave him a look, “Don’t act like I don’t know. I know you better than myself.”
“I trust Moony.” Sirius blushed, “Nobody knows other than you and James, not even Peter. I won’t let those bastards get ten feet from him.”
Y/n stood up from Sirius’ bed and sat beside him on the floor. Their backs against the wallpaper-covered canvas. Her head lay on his bony shoulder, and he wrapped a skinny arm around her shoulders. Y/n looked in his sketchbook. He was sketching the five of them together at the Black Lake. It was beautiful.
James was laying on the ground, golden snitch flying above him - the snitch being the first one Y/n caught. Remus against a tree mere feet away from James reading a book, Sirius under his arm, not unlike how the siblings were sitting at present. Peter and Y/n engaged in what appeared to be a challenging chess game. The lake was sketched with ripples and sparkles. Remus had almost every scar visible - it wasn’t hard for Sirius to study him but lacked studying any subject.
Y/n had thought about what it would like in color. The pear-colored grass, the sapphire sky, and the cotton-like clouds. Sirius’ alabaster skin, dark chocolate hair, and slate eyes. James’ walnut-colored hair with caramel highlights, tanned skin, and vale eyes. Remus’ sandy blond hair, olive eyes, and beige scarred skin. Peters peach skin, his buttermilk-colored hair, and arctic eyes. Her s/c skin, e/c eyes, and h/c hair.
She could envision the snitch’s golden glistening color. The color of their clothes. The red and gold of the Gryffindor tie. The golden rims around James’ glasses. Remus’ pink cheeks. The brown logs and the jade leaves falling from them—the deep blue color of the Black Lake. The white highlights of the images show the glittering and rippling effect. Suddenly, she knew why Sirius liked drawing.
“Like it?“ Sirius nudged her shoulder.
Y/n nodded, “Yeah, looks beautiful.”
“Thinking about maybe painting it on one of my canvas’. Do you think it’ll come out good?”
“I think it would look gorgeous.” Y/n confessed, and Sirius’ cheeks flushed, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to buy it from you.”
Sirius chuckled, “Siblings get it for free.”
“Do we now?” Y/n smirked, “I will definitely take advantage of that.”
“I’m sure you will.” Sirius laid his head on top of hers and continued to draw.
A couple of days later, when Sirius began painting the picture on his canvas, the mirror had started to flicker. He grinned like a kid on Christmas and placed it on a table where James could see himself painting. Y/n was in the corner reading a book but perked up after hearing her boyfriend’s soothing voice.
“How’s summer going, Blacks?”
Sirius smiled, continuing to paint, “It’s going great!”
James deadpanned, and Y/n almost laughed, “How’s it really going, Pads?”
Neither of them answered, and James surveyed the room, “Did they lock you in your bedroom again?”
“Fuck no!” Sirius replied matter-of-factly, “We can go wherever we want to.”
“You’re stuck in your bedroom.” James sighed, “But you can keep lying to yourself to keep yourself from hurting those around you.”
James took in Y/n’s sorrowful e/c eyes and Sirius’ reflex to run his fingers through his hair when nervous. He could see how messy the room had gotten and how skinnier they looked. Sirius’ cheeks were caving in, and Y/n’s body became less curved. It broke James’ heart a thousand times over. On selfish days James thought it hurt him more than them.
“Come on, let me break you out of there.” James begged, “Please?”
Y/n shook her head, “You can’t, James.”
“Why not?”
“They know about us.” Y/n informed, and James’ face softened, “I can’t let them hurt you.”
“But- But they aren’t even feeding you guys!” James exclaimed, trying to make some form of an argument.
“They give us small portions,” Sirius mumbled.
“To share.” James rolled his eyes, “Please! I’ll do anything. Just let me break you guys out.”
Tears collected in Y/n’s eyes, “You can’t. And we won’t leave Regulus behind.“
“To hell with it! Bring Regulus with us!”
“James,” Y/n began softly, “This fantasy you’re having of helping us escape the old evil witch is going to get you nowhere. We’re stuck, and we can’t leave our tower.”
“No,” James shook his head, eyes filled to the brim with tears, “I will come for you guys, and- and I won’t stop until you’re home.”
Sirius wrapped an arm around his sister, “We love you, mate. But Y/n’s right. We can’t go anywhere but here.”
“I won’t take no for an answer.” James retorted, wiping his tears, his eyes filling with a determination Y/n and Sirius saw when he began a prank, “I will get you three out of there. No matter what.”
“Whatever you do,” Y/n sniffled, “Be careful.”
James smirked, “Always.”
The mirror went blank again, and they only saw their reflections. Y/n wiped her eyes and went back to sitting on the bed, a book in her lap. Sirius put the mirror face down on the night table and released a breath of relief. He resumed his position in front of the canvas with his paintbrush in hand. It wasn’t acrylic paint. It was watercolor.
It was days before the painting was finished. Sirius’ focus didn’t stay long after being malnourished for almost two weeks now. Y/n ended up spending most of her time studying or reading the Muggle books Remus provided. They still hadn’t heard any sign of James, which could’ve been bad or good. Sirius decided to stay optimistic.
The days grew longer and more drawn out the longer they were stuck in Sirius’ bedroom. Most days, they couldn’t drag each other out of bed. Sirius would lay on her while she read out loud whatever paperback Y/n had been fascinated with at the time. They weren’t allowed to shower, and Sirius’ hair went greasy. It was gross.
Finally, after a month, they heard movement. It was late at night, and the sky was covered with clouds. Bright light flooded the small room that Y/n groaned at. Sirius rubbed his eyes and sat up to open the curtains. When he opened the curtains, he wasn’t met with the sun but rather a flashlight in a boy’s hand. The boy’s mouth was moving, but Sirius couldn’t hear a word.
The boy - who Sirius now recognized as James - motioned for him to move to the side. Sirius sidestepped, and James pointed a wand at the window, allowing the window to unlatch. It made a cringe-worthy noise. Sirius opened the window quietly, and Y/n sat up.
“What the bloody hell are you doing, Sirius?”
James snorted, “Well, isn’t she pleasant.”
Y/n jumped up at James’ voice, “What’re you doing here? You need to leave! Go!”
“Relax, I’m here to get you out of here.” James smiled, “Get your trunks. I have a port key outside.”
“James,” Y/n said softly, “Regulus, I won’t leave him.”
James placed both hands on her shoulders, “It’s time to pick. Either you get out of this miserable mess with Sirius, or you stay here with Regulus.”
“And I hope,” James continued, “That you finally choose yourself.”
She shook her head, pushing him away, “Take Sirius. Go anywhere. I won’t leave without Regulus.”
“Sis-“
“No.” Y/n stood her ground, “Reg and I will leave eventually but not now.”
Sirius packed his trunk. It was filled to the brim with books, journals, and clothes. It was hard to close, but Sirius got the latches to click. He stared intently at it, almost debating on whether or not he should do it. He’d be leaving both his siblings behind. Y/n hugged him tightly.
“Go,” She whispered, “Get out of here. You’re dying to explore. Remus and James will give that to you.”
He nodded and kissed her hair before throwing his trunk out of the window. Sirius landed on the soft grass, and James was left standing in the room. His hazel eyes filled with sorrow and despair. Y/n was his princess, and he couldn’t save her no matter how much he wanted to.
“I’ll find my way back to you,” Y/n assured, “I always do.”
James wrapped his arms around her tightly, “I’ll see you on the train.”
“I’ll see you.”
They pulled away, laying their foreheads together. James nuzzled his nose gently, making her smile at the soft gesture. His lips caught hers in a passionate, gentle, and loving kiss. James’ lips were so smooth, and they always had a tint of cherry chapstick. When they parted, his lips were pink and parted. Y/n smiled.
“Go,” Y/n pushed him away gently, “Go help my brother.
He nodded, and before he could jump out of the window, “James,” He turned, “This isn’t the end of us. I will get out of here if it kills me.”
“That’s my girl.” James smirked, “You escape this place even if you die trying.”
“Always.”
He gave her one last smirk before jumping onto the soft grass where Sirius was waiting. James grabbed his broom, and Sirius grabbed his trunk. They both placed their hands on the dirty sock, and within seconds they were at the Potter Manor at Godric’s Hollow. Y/n closed the window and locked it again as she watched them disappear.
It wasn’t until the start of the year when they unlocked Sirius’ bedroom to notice him missing. Regulus was heartbroken, and Y/n got the blame for it, which resulted in her being the receiver of many curses. They boarded the Hogwarts Express together for the first time since Regulus’ first year. Slytherins and Gryffindor were not supposed to be found together.
The siblings sat together alone in a compartment. Y/n didn’t miss how happy Sirius seemed now. His cheeks were whole again, and his ribs weren’t on full display—James’ arm around him and Remus. Y/n put an arm around Regulus, holding him close. Regulus allowed himself to melt into his older sister, his protector. James saw them, and he saw the bruises on Y/n’s cheek. If only he could see what was beneath her robes.
Hogwarts seemed dull. Not much happened between Y/n and the marauders. Her full-time job had become taking care of her little brother’s broken heart. Nothing happened between her and James other than small exchanges between classes, sex in broom cupboards, or kisses in the Astronomy tower. They spent very little time together but made it work.
The summer approaching her seventh year was dreadful. Y/n didn’t get locked in her bedroom this time, but the dinners were horrendous. It was silent, and the only noises were culinary on plates. Regulus looked terrified, and their parents looked to be communicating with their eyes or telepathically. Orion set down his utensils and crossed his arms.
“I believe we have a decision to make.”
“Pardon?” Y/n queried quietly.
Walburga took a sip of wine, “I believe it’s time you pay your duty to the family name.”
“Pay our duty?” Y/n asked, setting down her fork, “What are you on about?”
Orion pulled up his sleeve, and Regulus shivered at the black ink embedded in his father’s forearm, “After supper, you both will pay your duty to this family.”
“What if we refuse?”
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Walburga questioned, an eyebrow raised, “I assure you your punishment will be ten times worse than getting the dark mark.”
“Okay.” Y/n agreed, “But I go first.”
“Beautiful.” Walburga smiled.
The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Regulus kept staring at his older sister with an incredulous expression. She had never been one to give in, but she was also willing to do anything for Regulus, even if it meant ruining her relationship. Before the ceremony, Regulus pulled her aside, and Y/n cast a silencing spell.
“You aren’t going to do it, are you?”
“Of course I am.” Y/n replied, “You aren’t doing his alone.”
“What about James? And Sirius?”
“They’ll understand.”
“No!” Regulus cried, “They won’t!”
Y/n looked around before gripping Regulus’ forearm tight, “Go, run. Anywhere. I promise I’ll find you.”
“No.” His eyes hardened, “I won’t leave you behind.”
“Regulus, I’m begging you.” Y/n pleaded, “Leave this house. Take the Knight Bus to the Potters. Find Sirius and stay there.”
His eyes filled with tears, “But- But-“
“No.” Regulus had never seen her be so brave, “You need to go.”
Before he could refuse, Y/n kissed his forehead and pushed him near the door, “I told Kreacher to let you go. He won’t say anything.”
“You have to promise to come back to me,” Regulus begged, holding his sister’s hands.
“I can’t promise you.” They both heard footsteps, “Go!”
Y/n pushed him out of the door and closed it behind her. Hastily she riddled the silence charms. Walburga smiled at her and laid out her hand for Y/n to take. Releasing a breath, Y/n took it. Walburga’s hands were soft and pale. They had never seen a day of work in their life. The only thing they ever picked up was a wine glass.
She led Y/n to the main room. Inside was not just Orion. It was the entirety of the Black family inside that hadn’t been banished. There was a chair placed in the middle of the room. It had dark green patting and dark oak wood. Hesitantly Y/n sat with her left forearm facing the feeling when Narcissa spoke up.
“Where’s Regulus?”
Y/n shrugged, “I don’t know. I couldn’t find him after dinner.”
“No matter.” Walburga smiled happily, “Y/n here will replace his spot.”
Bellatrix looked at her stupidly. Y/n was a Gryffindor, not a Slytherin. Narcissa didn’t seem to mind, but Lucius looked like he wanted to spit at her feet. Andromeda wasn’t there, a sign of her being burnt from the tapestry just a couple of years ago for marrying a Muggle named Ted Tonks. Andromeda had always begged Y/n to take care of her younger brothers. That promise was getting fulfilled now.
“Are we ready?” Orion questioned, and a round of agreements went around the room.
He placed his wand against the skin of her left forearm. Orion muttered something, and immense pain filled her body. It ached, and it felt like her bones were shattering beneath her skin. The feeling of being hit with a thousand pins hitting her skin where the new black ink was going into her skin. Her body shook, but within seconds it was gone. Now the only remembrance of doing the ceremony laid on her left forearm. Claps echoed through the main room of the Black family home. Y/n swallowed.
At least it wasn’t Regulus.
Regulus had run as far as he could before calling for the Knight Bus. Unknowingly his pockets were filled with galleons that Y/n must’ve shoved into his pockets. He paid them twelve and sat down on a bed while they brought him to the Potter residence. He felt guilty for leaving her behind, but she had been so insistent.
It was dawn when Regulus arrived at the brown wooden house in Godric’s Hollow. The neighborhood was calm and homey. The weather was humid, and Regulus felt sticky when he left the bus. But he looked around until he found the last name Potter on the mailbox. The driveway was an abundance of stones in different directions. The house itself looked similar to a typical suburban home, but Regulus knew looks could be deceiving.
Hesitantly he knocked on the door and waited to hear footsteps. After a minute of standing, the door opened wide, and familiar grey eyes stared at him. Sirius. His hair was longer, and he looked to have grown two inches. His cheeks were full and pink. He was wearing red pajama pants and a plain grey tee. Regulus assumed that Mrs. Potter gave him a new wardrobe.
Sirius looked around before talking, “Where is she?”
“She-“ Regulus swallowed, “She took it.”
“N- No, you’re lying!”
Regulus shook his head, “She told me to go, to leave.”
“James!” Sirius yelled, and a tousled James stood beside him, looking at Regulus in shock.
Without a word, James pulled him into a tight embrace. Regulus was just a tad shorter than James, and he rested his chin on James’ shoulder. James had his arms wrapped tightly around the younger Black brother’s body, not wanting to release him. He saw Regulus’ look of guilt and pity for James when he did.
“Come on, inside.” James ushered them in, “It’s gross outside.”
They walked into the house. Regulus was surprised at how big the inside was. The outside made it look no bigger than a suburban home, but the inside rivaled a mansion. The first room on the right was a sitting room, and the first room to the left was the kitchen. Further back, there appeared to be a dining room. Stairs led to the second story and stairs leading down to a basement.
James went into the sitting room, and Sirius followed. Regulus took his time in following after them. The hallway had family photos of the Potters all together, smiles on their faces. Regulus could remember the Black family photos, sitting straight, shoulders back, and not smiling, looking into the lens. He hated those pictures. Sirius called for him softly, and Regulus took a seat in an armchair.
“So,” The room was unbearably stiff, “Y/n has the dark mark.”
“Yes.”
Sirius ran a hand through his hair, “I shouldn’t have left her there.”
“It’s not your fault, Pads.” James assured, “If I’m honest, I’m glad it’s her.”
Both brothers stared at James as if someone had died, “Y/n’s capable of defending herself. She’s been top of our year since first year. I trust her to make the right decisions.”
“She’s on the opposing side!” Sirius exclaimed, “If she goes through with this, she’ll be at our wand point!”
“I know that.” James said calmly, “But she makes the right decisions. Maybe she can become a spy for us.”
“If she gets found out, they’ll kill her.” Regulus interjected, “It’d be putting her in more danger.”
Sirius looked ready to cry, “She’s my little sister. I was supposed to take care of her! Protect her!”
“You did.” James replied, “You did the best you could. She told you to leave, and she took the mark for Regulus willingly. She would’ve never let either of you get the mark.”
“I just,” Sirius sounded breathless, “I don’t know what to do.”
James put an arm around his shoulder, “We’ll figure it out together.”
It wasn’t until seventh year when James saw Y/n again. James, Sirius, and Regulus saw her with the Black parents, who looked highly proud of their only daughter. Y/n boarded the train alone and sat in a compartment alone. Regulus joined his older brother in the Marauders compartment where he could laugh freely.
Y/n had been given strict orders to stay away from James and every other blood-traitor alike. That was the expectation of a Death Eater.
Months later, when the war finally began, she was requested at the Malfoy Manor to supervise a captive. The Death Eaters were unaware that Y/n was working as a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. When she entered the room, she saw two familiar faces. One man with tousled sandy-blond hair and tired green eyes. Another with dark brown mussed hair and a muscular build.
“Here you are, dearie.” Bellatrix smiled, twirling her wand, “They’re all yours till the morning.”
Y/n gave a courtesy, “Thank you, Bella.”
Bellatrix walked out of the room with her hips swaying. The room itself was dull and had no windows. The walls were white but appeared grey with the darkness of the room. Y/n whispered ‘Lumos,’ lighting up the tip of her wand to see the conditions of the two captives. Both men were tied at the wrists and ankles. They also had blindfolds across their eyes.
“Who-“ Remus coughed, “Who’s there.”
Y/n didn’t answer, “You have a familiar scent.”
Remus would be correct. After hanging around him for six years at Hogwarts, she would have a familiar scent. James didn’t say anything and allowed Remus to take the lead. Despite not seeing, Remus continued to smell the air trying to remember who’s scent was currently in the room. Y/n knew they had to leave tonight.
The full moon was tomorrow.
“I promise I’ll get you guys out of here.” Y/n whispered, and James visibly perked up at the sound of her voice, “Y/n!”
“Shh,” Y/n hushed hastily, “You can’t be loud of they’ll check in on us.”
Remus whimpered, “Please, you have to get me out of here the full-“
“Yes, the full moon is tomorrow.” Y/n interjected softly, “I won’t let you hurt anyone. I promise.”
After an hour, Y/n gave them both some water from a glass and her wand. Her shift was up when the sun began to rise in five hours. At every hour mark, Y/n would give them something or help them somehow. At two o’clock, it was loosening their ankle ties. At three o’clock, it was giving them some solid food. At four o’clock, it was taking off their blindfolds. At five o’clock, it was loosening their wrist ties. Finally, at six o’clock, she gave them their wands.
“You have everything to protect yourself. I will leave this room in just two minutes, and Narcissa will be outside waiting. In that time, I will try to stall her so you will have maybe a minute at most to apparate out of here.” Both men nodded, “Then I won’t be responsible because I’ll be talking with Narcissa.”
When two minutes passed, Y/n walked out of the room. Both men heard her greet Narcissa, and they quickly apparated out of the building to the safehouse. Y/n had walked away by the time Narcissa entered the bare room. Her gasp could be heard from across the Manor. She reported it instantly.
Y/n was never seen as a suspect because of her alibi, and technically, the men were under Narcissa’s watch at the time.
The next afternoon, Y/n apparated to the safe house. The atmosphere inside the safe house was much more welcoming than the Malfoy Manor. Compared to the manor, the safe house was a breath of fresh air. When Y/n entered the house, she was greeted with laughter coming from the sitting room where she saw her husband and child on the ground playing together.
Remus was sitting in an armchair, watching them. Sirius was lying on the floor with James and Harry. Regulus was in the kitchen making conversation with other Order members. James turned when he heard the door open and smiled brightly when his wife entered the home.
“Look, Harry, mumma’s here!” James said, pointing at Y/n, taking off her coat.
Y/n smiled and walked toward them on the couch. She took Harry in her arms, making him giggle happily. The Marauders sat together in the sitting room until it was time for Remus to leave for the Shrieking Shack. Regulus was on Harry duty while the other three - Peter was busy on a mission - went out with Remus.
The following morning, they were all exhausted. Remus was sleeping in a bedroom, and Y/n sat beside him while the other slept. Y/n held his hand soothingly. It was just past midday when Remus muttered something that Y/n barely caught.
There was always a repetitive thing between you and Regulus.
Drink. Fuck. Ignore. Repeat. The same endless cycle you both did every week.
It was always when everyone was asleep that you two met; so it would only be between you two. You laid on the bed while he pinned your arms to the sheets, Regulus trailing kisses from your stomach to your lips with each gentle peck before your lips both meet.
“Fuck, yes—”
Hearing each other’s moans and screams the night before, drowning each other’s stress and irritation with praise and degradation, then pretending nothing happened the next morning at Potions. As if you didn’t taste how the firewhiskey burned on your lips while you devoured each other.
One look from afar and it looked like you two weren’t even friends. Or acquaintances.
Just mere strangers.
But you both always came back for more every single time.
It didn’t matter if you weren’t on good terms, or fought in Transfiguration.
Cigarettes on the nightstand. Clothes scattered across the floor. Nothing was more depressing but amusing at the same time. A beautiful but dangerous sight.
It wasn’t friends with benefits. Or enemies with benefits. But what are you supposed to call something that doesn’t even make sense?
One minute you were lighting each other’s cigarettes before blowing the smoke into each other’s mouths, lips softly grazing one another, prior to one of you getting up and leaving for their dorm.
It was so hard to force yourselves apart when it’s become an instinct.
Every night, 10 pm. You and him wrapped around each other.
You both remember every night clearly. First to the last. From the moment one of you initiates the kiss to the very last position you were in before the other left for their dorm.
You were waiting and waiting for the day that he finally said that it wasn’t just nothing to him. It wasn’t just a simple one night stand to you either. But something was holding you back.
Not that you didn’t want to talk to him about the situation, but the fear of being turned down always rushed your way.
So you tolerated it either way.
You waited and waited, every night at the Slytherin common room for the curly dark haired boy to show up.
It went from being 10 minutes late. Then it became 30.
What if Regulus never died and as an only heir to the Black family, his parents wanted to force him into a marriage with a pureblood? Something had to go wrong since he was in love with somebody else…
The reader pronouns: she/her
Pairing:Regulus Black x reader, Sirius Black x reader just to make Reggie jealous
Words count: 3.2k
Warnings:mentions of non-pureblood discrimination, a few curse words, not proofread
Also I wrote like half of this a week ago and the other half today lol
Y/n/n - your nickname
Y/f/b - your favorite breakfast
Y/f/c - your favorite colour
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
The Blood in Our Veins
(gif not mine)
The day Y/n Y/l/n found out the boy she loved was going to get married to somebody else felt like the saddest day of her life. She felt as if she hadn’t knew sadness before. The feeling held Y/n by the throat, messed with her brain, it was an almost visible dark aura surrounding her ever since she heard Regulus Black is marrying another girl.
Was it an arranged marriage? Most likely. Y/n could have expected that. She would have broken up with Regulus a long time ago only if he didn’t promise to never let his parents arrange a marriage for him. Why did she believe him? Of course they were both two carefree teenagers back then, who didn’t know anything about the struggles of adult life and of course they had no idea what would their future look like.
Y/n was disappointed in Regulus, but she was furious with herself. She despised herself for letting Regulus get close to her, for falling for a boy like him. They were from two different worlds, they were nothing alike and Y/n was aware that purebloods like him marry other purebloods. No matter what, eventually they always end up in an arranged marriage, most likely with some cousin since there was not many families to choose from and all purebloods were related by now.
How could she be so stupid? She should have known better. There were other boys, everything would have been so much easier now if back in school Y/n never spoke to Regulus. He seemed to be so lonely, so Y/n decided to talk to him, they quickly became friends, which was quite surprising to most people, but what shocked people more was the day when they seen Y/n and Regulus holding hands. The couple never kissed when they were surrounded by other students, but they made it obvious they’re dating.
“C'mon, Y/n/n, you can’t spend the rest of your life in bed,” Sirius walked into the room Y/n was asleep in, trying to wake her up, “at least step a feet outside of that room.”
Sirius talked loudly, but it didn’t help him in any way. He couldn’t tell if Y/n is still sleeping or not, because her face was buried in a huge pillow. The man decided to open the curtains to let some light inside the room.
Sunrays crawled on the floor, the bed and on Y/n’s skin. At the moment it wasn’t very pleasant, Y/n preferred to stay cold. She let out a sound of annoyance and pulled her duvet over her whole body. It would get hot in a few minutes, but at that time it was cool.
A sigh left Sirius’ mouth. He stood there for a few seconds with his hands on his hips, looking at Y/n and having one idea in mind.
“Y/n, I’m being serious right now, I don’t wanna see you rotting in bed because of my brother,” he grabbed the end of the duvet and threw it off of Y/n.
“Leave me alo-”
Y/n wasn’t even able to finish her sentence before Sirius grabbed her by the ankles and pulled to the floor.
“What the hell, mate?!” Her voice was raspy and annoyed when she yelled.
Now that neither pillows nor darkness couldn’t stop Sirius from taking a look at his friend’s face, he could tell she looked like a different person. Just a week ago she was glowing, now her face was emotionless and puffy from all the tears she had cried in the past few days. It was as well obvious that she haven’t washed her hair in quite some time, not that she cared to do it. But Sirius had a plan. And for that plan he needed to clean Y/n up.
A/N: Hope you guys enjoy! The next part will be back on the main timeline, so there won’t be a choice after this. Click here for part one.
“I’m sorry, Sirius, I should really go after him,” You frowned, watching Regulus stomp down the hallway, “He’s not as strong as you- or he- thinks he is.”
Sirius let out a sigh, nodding, “A raincheck, then?”
“A raincheck,” You said, “I’ll see you around.”
Then, you turned around, half jogging towards Regulus.
Once you caught up to him, you were practically panting, exclaiming, “Do you have any idea how long these corridors are, Reg?”
But he didn’t say a word.
“Giving me the cold shoulder, are you?” You scoffed, “I’m walking you to class, you know. Like a good friend.”
“Only after I walked off,” He muttered, arms crossed against his chest.
You rolled your eyes, grabbing him by the shoulder and stopping him from continuing to sulk, “Really, Reg? I was trying to be nice. Because he’s your brother and we were going the same way anyway. If you took it the wrong way, then that’s your doing, not mine. Your my best friend, Reg, I’m not going to leave you alone when you’re upset. Surely you know that?”
Regulus was hesitant to meet your eyes. He felt guilty, really. Had he prevented you from making a new friend? Yes. Was that new friend his brother who always seemed to overshadow him? Also yes.
He shook the thoughts out of his head, his eyes finally meeting yours, “I’m sorry, Y/N. I was being immature.”
You nodded, “Just don’t let it happen again, alright?”
The two of you started walking towards potions, his next class, when you asked the question you were dying to know, “Why’d you get so upset?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Come on, Reg, you know you can tell my anything,” You said, leaning your head on his shoulder, “Please?”
He shook his head, “No, I know you and you’re going to take it the wrong way.”
“Watch it, Black.” You hissed, taking a deep breath a moment later, “Tell me.”
“I was jealous, alright?” He frowned, “Sirius gets everything he wants. A spot of the Quidditch team, a group of friends. I was worried that once the two of you got talking, he’d get you, too.”
You sighed, “For starters, no one can "get me”. I’m not an object. Secondly, you’re my best friend. No one’s taking that title away from you. As for your jealousy, I’ll have to see about that one.“
His eyes widened, "See about what? What are you going to do?”
But you kept on walking, a smirk on your face as he chased after you.
“Y/N? Come on, tell me?”
He stopped in his tracks as you kept walking, calling over your shoulder, “Are you coming or not?”
Then it hit him: he was chasing after you. Like always. But if he could make the choice to spend his whole life chasing after you in exchange for even a moment with you, he’d do it in a heartbeat.
Blurb: the other woman always gets the short end of the stick
part 2 to arranged Word Count: 4k Warnings: cheating, regulus is still a shit, but of self-doubt and feeling sad A/N:idk how i feel about this, i feel like i should’ve kept arranged as just arranged, but i really wanted to write a second part from the muggleborns perspective but it just didn’t give what i wanted it to gave. maybe i should’ve waited a bit longer, maybe i’ll rewrite it sometime in the future, but at the same time, i knew it would be something like this. anyways
I liked to think it was a common experience. To be the other woman. At least that was what I told myself. I think ‘the other woman’ usually got a bad reputation, but I didn’t think that was fair. How were they to know that their lover was seeing someone else if their lover never told them? Sure, if they know it’s a completely different story and maybe part of it is fair. But either way, it wasn’t fun being the other woman. Eventually you find out and it tears your whole word apart.
It was during our seventh year that I started going out with Regulus Black. I wasn’t an idiot. I knew that our relationship would be frowned upon. More so on his side than mine, but there were plenty of people I knew who didn’t like Regulus and his arrogance and pride. But they were wrong, they just didn’t know him how I knew him.
It started when we were partnered up in Potions class. The professors tried to shield us from the upheaval that was occurring outside the castle, but tensions were high even amongst us students and they were trying desperately hard to promote inter-house relationships. Personally, at the time, I thought it was stupid that they had partnered Regulus Black, a known death eater, with me, a muggleborn.
Well it wasn’t known that he was a death eater, but sometimes rumours are true. And sure, maybe I was a bit apprehensive of him and honestly, a little scared. He was known throughout the castle for hating my blood and that didn’t sit right with me. So I tried to be happy and pleasant just so I wouldn’t end up on his bad side.
Maybe I was a little too happy and pleasant though, because once our assignment was over, we still met up to study and I would swear that he would smile at me in the hallways and then one day I got a note from him.
Can you meet me at the top of the Astronomy Tower tonight? 2am? R.B
I found his eye in the Great Hall and gave him a discreet nod. He smiled into his breakfast. He had been nothing but friendly to me once we got over the awkward beginning stages and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about what he wanted to see me about.
So maybe I did show up in my best jeans and my new jumper and maybe I did do my hair nicely before I went to meet him. I was quite intimidated by him and part of that was because he was veryattractive.
“Hi,” he breathed out when I entered the Astronomy Tower. In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have gone. He was a death eater, it could’ve been a trap or maybe he might not have even shown. I wasn’t sure why I trusted him, but I did and there we were.
“Hi,” I smiled at him. We stood in front of each other, both of us with cheesy grins on our faces.
“I like your jumper,” he said.
“Thanks,” I said.
We sat down and spoke. I thought it would be hard to find topics that we were both interested in, but our conversations flowed as if we had been best friends our whole life. Whether it was about Quidditch or classes or random school gossip, we had a lot in common.
When I couldn’t stop yawning and the sun was peeking up, he sighed and turned so I was looking at his side profile.
“I really like you,” he whispered. His voice was so soft I barely heard him.
“I really like you too.” I wasn’t sure if it was because I was so tired, but it just felt right to tell him.
“But no one can know.” He turned to look at me again and I gave him a sad smile.
“I know.”
And so began our secret relationship.
It wasn’t hard to fall for Regulus Black. He was kind when you got to know him and he was much more intelligent than he let on, and of course, there was no denying that Regulus Black was pretty and nice to look at.
We would meet in broom closets and walk around the grounds late at night, my heart pounding in fear that someone would find us. In regards to someone finding us out of bed past curfew and finding out about our relationship.
“What would happen if people found out about us?” I had asked one night when we were sitting in the Astronomy Tower again. This was our favourite place to meet.
“I don’t know.” He didn’t say much, but his face went hard and I could feel his whole body tense. I understood why we had to keep our relationship private, but it still hurt. The stolen glances, the rushed touches, the discreet letter sending.
It was tiring. And we couldn’t always meet up. Regulus couldn’t just leave his dorm every night. People already had a few suspicions about him and that would not help his case.
Our seventh year went by so quickly. With exams and my new secret relationship and the threat of war lingering closely in the back of everyone’s mind, it seemed that it ended before I even got a chance to appreciate it.
But being out of the castle meant that Regulus and I got more freedom. My parents had helped me buy my own house once I left Hogwarts, so it was easy for Regulus to pop over whenever he liked. Which, unfortunately, was still scarce.
“I promise I want to visit you more,” he explained one day. We were sitting on the lounge, cuddled up in blankets very late into the night. “It’s just hard for me.” His face turned hard and I knew what he was talking about.
Regulus had never mentioned anything about his pathway but I had never seen his left arm bare. Feeling brave, I reached over and touched his forearm where the ink should be. He tensed under my touch, but he didn’t stop me. He wouldn’t make eye contact with me, but he nodded.
I pulled back his sleeve and there it was. The dark mark. I didn’t want him to know how much it affected me so I started tracing it to distract myself.
I guess I was so caught up in this relationship that I forgot that Regulus Black was trying to stop people like me from becoming wizards. I was breathing heavily, I couldn’t help it.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. I nodded, pulling my hand away and pulling down his sleeve. “I promise I’m not like them. I promise I’m trying to do better, to fix my past mistakes.” I nodded when he finally looked over at me. I foolishly believed him. How couldn’t I? “For you,” he whispered and I bit my tongue to stop myself from crying.
As the war reached its crescendo it seemed that I was seeing Regulus less and less and every time he left I feared that would be the last time I saw him. He always visited late in the night, looking exhausted and I tried to be strong for him, but I was so scared.
Eventually, the war came and went and I hadn’t lost too many friends and Regulus was okay. He survived and he was healthy. He still had his dark mark, but he had been practising spells to hide it and now it all seemed like an afterthought.
“It’s all over.” He said when Voldemort was defeated. “Now I have more time for my love.” He nuzzled his head in my neck and I smiled.
It briefly crossed my mind that even though everything had changed, nothing had changed between Regulus and I. He hadn’t said anything about making our relationship public and he still only visited sporadically, usually late in the night, and he was always gone whenever I woke up late in the morning.
And now with the war over, we both had to focus on our careers. I had a stable job at the Ministry and Regulus was a successful potion maker. He said it required odd hours which was why he could only come late at night and why he left so early. My job was a regular office job which made it even harder for us to find time.
But we did, somehow. Yet, there was still something nagging in the back of my mind. It was very late one night when Regulus was over and as I usually was when he was over, I was really tired and I decided to bring it up with him.
“It’s weird that while everything has changed, nothing has really changed, don’t you think?” We were sitting on the couch, cuddled in blankets and he hummed as he turned to me.
“Yeah, I guess so,” Regulus murmured, a crease in between his eyebrows as he sank deep into thought.
“We still have to hide our relationship, we still can’t walk down the streets holding hands.” Sure, now that things had changed there were more purebloods dating muggleborns, but they weren’t received very well. I had heard other muggleborns say how stupid those people were, dating someone who had only just recently been fighting to get rid of their existence. I couldn’t even imagine what the purebloods were saying.
“We can,” he mumbled, “but it’s best we don’t.” My heart sank. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting him to say. Maybe that he actually wanted to be seen in public with me. That he wanted to show me off, but it still wasn’t safe. Regulus was kind. He brought me gifts and he always listened to me and showed me nothing but respect, but it was hard keeping a relationship secret. And, of course, there was the doubt that came with it. I was a muggleborn and his family probably hated me even if they didn’t know I existed.
He turned his head and I looked away.
It seemed like there was something he was leaving out. There was something left unsaid between us. But I put it down to just being exhausted and dropped the subject. Everything was fine, I told myself.
She had been working in the same department with me since I started and our offices were right next to each other. Shewas very pretty, and nice, and a pure blood. Which wasn’t a big deal, anymore. The war was over and as much as they needed to overcome their prejudices, so did I.
We were in the same year at Hogwarts, but had never spoken to each other for obvious reasons. It was awkward at first, she knew my blood status and I knew her beliefs, but she had always smiled at me when we crossed paths and one day she took a risk and sat next to me at lunch. I didn’t move away and instead initiated polite small talk which continued until polite small talk turned into workplace gossip which soon turned into more personal conversations and I was now happy to call her my friend.
No one really warns you about how hard it is to find friends after school. Especially when you start in a new workplace and society is recovering from a war that was centred around your blood status.
I wasn’t lonely, but I was pretty much on house arrest during war for my own safety and with Regulus and I still keeping our relationship a secret, I was starting to struggle and I wanted to bring it up to him one night and I was so tired, that I did.
“I feel so alone,” I whimpered. We were lying down in bed and I was cuddled up into Regulus’ chest, trying not to cry. “Work is taking up all my time and I’ve lost contact with all my old friends, I have no one, I-”
“You have me,” he offered and I looked up at him, trying not to look hopeful. He gave me a cheesy grin and the hurt on my face vanished as I felt my whole body relax.
“Really?” I had asked pathetically. It seemed that our relationship was still stuck in the position it was in our seventh year. So much time had passed and yet it felt like our relationship hadn’t developed.
“Of course, my love.” He leant down to kiss the top of my head.
I wanted to tell him, I really did. It was true and I had been thinking about it for a long time, but I didn’t want him to freak out. We hadn’t been emotionally intimate like this and I was unsure if I was overstepping a line. But I must have been absolutely exhausted because I said it anyway.
“I love you.” I said it in his chest so when he didn’t reply I wondered if he even heard me. My heart was racing, did I overstep a line? Maybe I could pretend like I didn’t say anything. I could-
“I love you.” He mumbled and I fell asleep feeling at peace.
How could I not think that he was different? I had always wondered how a pureblood like him could ever like a muggleborn like me, yet alone love. But he wouldn’t have said it if he didn’t mean it, right? He didn’t tell me everything about his past and his family, but I knew they were the ones who pushed him in the direction that led to the permanent ink on his skin and I was so caught up in loving him that I guess it was easy to put the blame on them. Because Regulus was different to them. He had given his complete self to me. He had to be.
I was giddy all week at work. I was so in love and I wanted to share that with everyone around me. I was on cloud nine and I didn’t think anything could bring me down.
Until I noticed there was something wrong with her the minute I sat down at lunch. I felt bad that I hadn’t told her about Regulus and I’s relationship, but no one knew and she wasn’t some odd exception. Even if I wanted her to be. I had a feeling she would understand and share my excitement with me. Maybe I could tell her I was in a secret relationship, I didn’t have to tell her who with.
I thought now that maybe Regulus had said he loved me he would be more open to making our relationship public. Maybe if I spoke to her and got a third opinion, I’d have more clarity. I decided I’d tell her once I figured out what was wrong with her.
“What’s got you down?” She looked like she hadn’t slept that night and she looked weak. I was very concerned.
“I’m in an arranged marriage.” There were so many things that she could have said, but this was something that I never expected. I looked at her in shock, my mouth slightly agape, and when the words finally settled into my brain I looked at her in confusion before wondering the extent of the arranged marriage. Was she having issues with her arranged husband? What type of issues could she be having? How long had they been occurring? Was she safe? I gave her a sceptical look but then she assured me that they were friends and got along really well so I smiled at her.
“Well,” I said, “who’s the lucky guy? Did he go to Hogwarts?” She was obviously sad about whatever was going on so I tried to remain cheerful and happy.
“Yeah, he was in our year as well. Regulus Black.” I dropped my cutlery and my face fell. But then I remembered that I was meant to be the supportive friend so I quickly went back to smiling. Surely I heard her wrong. Surely she wasn’t married to myRegulus Black. Was there another Regulus Black at school?
“When did you get married?” She had said something else but I wasn’t paying attention. I felt bad about cutting her off so I tried to sound genuinely curious.
“Early June, pretty much as soon as we left Hogwarts.” He was seeing me at that point in time. The person he just told he loved. Maybe he didn’t love her. It was a horrible thought and not something that a friend should be thinking, but it was an arranged marriage, that didn’t mean they lovedeach other, right?
“How long did you know?” She said something else but I still wasn’t listening. I was hot. My mind was racing at a million miles an hour and I just wanted to ask Regulus what this was all about. Not that I didn’t trust her, but I just wanted to hear what he had to say for himself. He was my boyfriend after all. At least I thought he was.
“Know what?” Her eyes slanted every so slightly and a weird tension filled the air. She had caught on. How was I going to tell her that I was dating her husband?
“That you would marry him?” I felt like I was going to cry. My lips were starting to wobble and my cheeks were hurting from trying to fight my frown.
“Just before our sixth year, I don’t know-”
“I need to tell you something.” My heart was pounding and I was struggling to keep it all together. Why wouldn’t he tell me that he was in an arranged marriage?
“What?” A cold chill ran through my body as I tried to think of how to tell her.
“I-, Regulus and I, we–I didn’t know,“ myvoice broke off and there were tears forming in both of our eyes. “You have to believe me,” Ipleaded and I wondered if shealso suddenly couldn’t breathe. “He never told me he was married.” Ilet out a harsh sob and for a brief second I wanted to reach out and hold her and tell her that I was so sorry.
“I believe you,” she sighed. She wasn’t crying, but I couldn’t say the same for me. I was sobbing and I didn’t care how pathetic I felt. It’s not easy finding out that your boyfriend is married and my pride couldn’t handle it. Not when it was with someone I called a friend. “When?” she asked, and I really didn’t want to tell her. He was seeing us at the same time and that knowledge broke my heart, I didn’t want her heart to break anymore either.
“During our seventh year,” I mumbled. She nodded slowly. I felt so foolish. Of course there was someone else. Someone prettier and smarter and a pureblood. Why would he ever want a muggleborn? He was a death eater. I was foolish to think that he was any different. While I was always wondering about him and our relationship, he was with another person.
“I think-,” she took a deep breath and closed her eyes as I watched single tear fall down her cheek, “I think I need to get back to work.” I didn’t want to be alone. I was shaking from the intensity of my sobs, but I didn’t want to ask her to stay. I wasn’t that selfish.
When she stood up, I did too and I reached out to give her a hug. She probably didn’t want to hug me, but I just needed to. I needed to know that things were alright between us. I kept mumbling, “I’m so sorry,” but I knew it didn’t change anything.
I cried even more when she left and I cried for the rest of the day. It didn’t feel real. It felt like I was no longer in my body and I no longer had control over anything that happened to me. I was just there, waiting and watching it all fall apart.
I couldn’t stop comparing myself to her either. She was so confident and proud. Just the type of person to suit Regulus. I couldn’t help it, I knew it was stereotypical of me, but I couldn’t help but think all purebloods were the same. They were horrible and cruel and arrogant and selfish and they didn’t care who they hurt.
I had never felt so badly about myself and I wondered if she felt the same. Surely not. Why would she ever compare herself to a mudblood like me?
It was a long day. I had a migraine from all of my sobbing and I barely got any work done. I had come to work so excited and joyous, thinking that nothing could ruin my day and yet, here I was. My day ruined.
I couldn’t help but wonder if she was okay. I hoped she was. I hoped she knew that I didn’t blame her. That if she wanted to, I would remain friends with her. It wasn’t our fault. It was all his.
When I got home that afternoon I got a glass of water and some painkillers which I took instantly. This wasn’t fair. How could he make me think that I was so special to him? How could he tell me he loved me when he had a wife?
It all started making sense. The reason he only visited me late at night and why he always left when I woke up. I wondered if he even was a potion maker or if he even had a job. This was also why he wanted to keep our relationship secret. He had played it off as being worried about my safety, but I wasn’t that naive.Of course he would want to keep me hidden. He had a wife.
A chill ran through me as I started to think. Did he have any children? What if he did? I’d be a homewrecker. Surely she would have told me if there were kids involved, but then again, I didn’t even know she was married.
I cried some more. I felt so sorry for myself and I allowed myself to dwell in this pain because I wasn’t sure there was anything that could make me feel better.
The worst part was the realisation that I was the other woman. I wasn’t sure what their situation was like, but as the hours came and went there was no appearance from Regulus and I knew that he would be at the house he no doubt shared with her. I wondered if she would bring it up or if she’d pretend that nothing was wrong. I wondered if they’d fight about it. What they’d say about me. I wondered if they’d make up. At least she would get to see him. A fight was better than nothing. But I was here, all alone sitting in my hurt and I’d have to see her again tomorrow and the next day, and relive this pain again and again. Would she even talk to me at work? I had finally made a friend and it turns out I was dating her husband. Typical.
I had such good thoughts about Regulus but now that was all gone. I used to think he was selfless and brave and courageous, but now I knew he was selfish and cowardly and dishonest, and as the hours passed I knew he wouldn’t turn up. I thought he had given me all of himself, but now I didn’t know what to think.
I wondered if I’d ever see him again. He’d probably tell her that he would do better. Of course, he’d want to fix his marriage before he fixed whatever we were. He lovedher.He loved me too, I thought, but I now knew that wasn’t true. He had lied.
I wondered what he’d say about me. I wondered what she’d say about me. Maybe he’d promise to stop seeing me. Maybe she’d hate me. Did he even know that we worked together? What would happen at work tomorrow? I sobbed. I guess in the end it didn’t matter because I was just the other woman.
