Chapter Text
Kreacher thinks Master Regulus chooses the wrong people to want. At first, it was blood traitor Sirius, then it was blood traitor James Potter.
Good riddance, Kreacher would think, they are both dead.
However, Kreacher remembers Master Regulus. Kreacher is constantly being reminded of Master. Master Regulus would not want Kreacher to think these things, no.
With the news of James Potter and Lily Potter’s death, perhaps it is time for Kreacher to visit Master Regulus’ spirit again.
One second Kreacher was in 12 Grimmauld Place, and the next Kreacher was where Regulus was last seen. The Horcrux Cave.
Kreacher never liked being here. It brought too many dark memories. The memories of Master Regulus tying the locket to his wrist. The promises that turned into orders, because Master Regulus didn’t trust Kreacher. The orders Kreacher failed, the orders that lost Master Regulus’ life.
But Kreacher had to come.
The cave felt different. Well, Kreacher has only been here a small number of times, but it was different.
Kreacher brushed it off at first.
But then Kreacher turned, and saw the source.
Straight to the point. Master Regulus liked to say that.
In the water, floating , was a lifeless body. Master Regulus’ lifeless body.
A light came from Master Regulus’ left hand, where Kreacher realized the locket was tied to.
Kreacher instantly went to work; every ounce of power Kreacher had was used on this.
Master Regulus’ body levitated, acting like a flimsy doll, with his back to the water. He slowly moved towards the island, and then was dropped.
Kreacher ran towards Master Regulus and checked his breathing and heartbeat - both nonexistent. Kreacher then ran to the now flickering light in Master Regulus’ hand.
Kreacher undid the tie and yanked the locket off, and then the world went white.
For a few seconds, because then the light faded and a ringing noise, which Kreacher didn’t even notice, went away. The locket disappeared.
Kreacher looked at Master Regulus, who was now gone.
A new figure had taken his place, a baby.
A baby looking a day old laid down asleep, remarkably breathing and not crying.
A baby, who Kreacher confidently believes, is Regulus Black.
“Oh.” said Xenophilius as he noticed Kreacher, the Black family's elf, standing in front of the kitchen sink. He rubbed his eyes, “Why are you here?”
It wasn’t often the elf came. Yeah… he never came. Xenophilius is just in that classic mood of the morning after the death of his two childhood friends and the news of their son having no family to live with. Great.
The elf stood awkwardly, and looked down. “He’s back.”
“Who?” Xenophilus immediately replied, standing up straight, worried the elf meant you-know-who.
“Master Regulus.”
Xenophilius’ eyes softened, “Him?” he said as he leaned slightly onto the countertop. “The one that’s dead? You found his body?”
Kreacher slowly shook his head, “He’s a baby.”
Xenophilius regretted ever believing the elf. If Regulus’ body was found, Pandora would be so glad. Of course, it would be bittersweet, but maybe then they could find his true cause of death. She would also like knowing his body was safe.
Xenophilius got his hopes too high.
He called out for Pandora, and she arrived with 8 month year old Luna babbling in her arms, “Yes?”
Her eyes were slightly red, from crying most likely. James and Lily’s death troubled them all, and it’s only been a day after.
Xenophilius pointed his head towards Kreacher.
Pandora blinked once she saw him. It must have been a while since, and any reminder of Regulus was sure to bring her mood down. Nobody seems to notice though, only Xenophilius really was able to tell when she felt sad. That’s part of what connects them.
Maybe it wasn’t a smart idea to bring the topic up to Pandora right after the Potter’s death.
(Hey, not Xenophilius’ fault. He is a Ravenclaw for a reason — being he is incredibly clever in every practical sense, excluding anything social.)
Kreacher was staring at Pandora intently now, “Master Regulus is back.”
She faltered and glanced at Xenophilius, who gave her a pitying look.
“What do you mean?” she asked wearily.
Kreacher dissapparated.
He apparated back almost immediately with a baby in his arms. “This is Master Regulus.”
Pandora gasped. The baby was extremely pale, which Xenophilius could infer was not the norm for babies only a few days old.
Newborns. That’s the term. (Probably should exclude infants from Xenophilius’ intelligence gallery as well. Fuck.)
“Xeno,” she said, and Xenophilius found himself carrying Luna as Pandora rushed her way to the baby.
“Can you get me a towel?” she asked Kreacher, she glanced down at the baby and then back at Kreacher, “For him?”
Kreacher nodded and disapparated which honestly surprised Xenophilius. Of course Xenophilius believed Pandora when she said Regulus was a nice kid, but training a Black family elf to answer to other families is incredible.
Pandora walked to the couch and muttered, “How’d Kreacher even find a baby?”
Xenophilius slowly followed her while softly scratching Luna’s tiny bump of hair. If he was honest with himself, he thinks the elf is far gone. The house elf is old and mourning, and making excuses to cling onto.
Xenophilius won’t admit it but he can sympathize with the elf in that regard.
He sat down on the short side of the L shaped couch (which faced away from the kitchen), and kissed Luna’s forehead.
He watched as Pandora sat, and with one hand holding the quiet newborn close, and the other setting down a quilt.
A faint pop sounded in the kitchen, and Kreacher walked to Pandora with at least ten towels.
Pandora grabbed one and wrapped it softly around the baby. “Where did you say you found him?”
Kreacher shook his head. “Kreacher can’t say. Master Regulus’ orders.”
Pandora sighed and slowly put the baby on the quilt she laid down before. “Do you know who his parents are? Can you tell me anything ?” she said, rubbing her temple as she watched Kreacher.
“His parents are Orion and Walburga Black.”
Pandora clasped her hands together, “Orion Black is dead.”
Kreacher started to get angrier, “Master Regulus’ seventeen year old body was there, then it was a baby.”
Pandora didn’t say anything for a minute. “We’ll get his bloodwork done at Gringotts.” she said finally, “Not now, but I’ll get him in touch with a doctor and we’ll go from there.”
Kreacher didn’t look too pleased, but he nodded. Before he left, he asked if more so demanded, “Master Regulus is friends with Evan Rosier. Tell him.” and he apparated away.
“The results are back!” Pandora called as she began to tear open the letter.
Evan rushed out of the guest room at once. His hair was - a mess, and his face was a clear sign of stress and anxiety. He leaned over the couch as he watched Pandora open the letter.
Xenophilius eventually came down the stairs, holding Luna, who would be celebrating her nine month birthday soon.
Pandora risked a glance at Evan again. He had been running low on sleep the entire week, eating for this nasty letter.
He believes Kreacher more than Pandora does, and most certainly more than Xenophilius does.
Pandora just hopes he doesn’t get his hopes up too high.
She pulled the letter out of the envelope, it looked very formal. She read out loud the important parts of the script:
-
CHILD : Unnamed
Alleged Gender : Male
Alleged Birthdate : Approx . October 31 . 1981
Alleged Mother : Walburga Black
Alleged Father : Orion Black
ALLEGED MOTHER : Walburga Black
Gender : Female
Birthdate : May 4 . 1925
Further details received via bloodwork only
ALLEGED FATHER : Orion Black
Gender : Male
Birthdate : May 18 . 1929
Deathdate : Approx . June . 1979
Further details received via bloodwork only
INTERPRETATION
Probability of Paternity : 99 . 99996 %
ALLEGED RELATION : Regulus Black
Gender : Male
Birthdate : December 20 . 1961
Deathdate : Approx . Late 1979
Mother : Walburga Black
Father : Orion Black
Unable to receive further details via bloodwork
INTERPRETATION
Probability of Blood Relation : 100 %
FINAL RESULTS
CHILD : Unnamed
Gender : Male
Birthdate : December 20 . 1961
Deathdate : October 15 . 1979
Birthdate [ Reprise ] : October 31 . 1981
Mother : Walburga Black
Father : Orion Black
-
Pandora sniffled, and let out a small laugh, “This is fucking crazy.” she whispered.
She put the letter down on the couch - to which Evan immediately grabbed it - and she rubbed her eyes. “So he just came back from life. That’s it.”
She looked up at Evan and watched him as he read and reread the letter over and over again. It isn’t often they talk to each other, Evan has been distancing himself. But, Pandora knows her brother. She knows Evan wouldn’t do anything to hurt her family.
Xenophilius yawned and Pandora turned her attention towards him, “So what are we doing to him? Putting him up for adoption?”
“No!” Evan yelled at the same time Pandora calmly said “No,”
Pandora smiled as she looked at Evan again.
He glared at her, “We can’t. ”
Pandora nodded, “He’s a special kid, and we are the only ones who know of it. And Kreacher.”
Xenophilius sighed, “So? Do we keep him? Or, would Evan keep him?”
Evan shook his head, “I’m not in the right state of mind to raise a kid.”
Pandora looked back at Xenophilius, “So that’s that. We keep him. Luna can have a brother.”
She watched as Xenophilius sighed in defeat and left to feed Luna.
Pandora got up as well, to check on the baby. She didn’t mind Evan following her.
Pandora went up the stairs and into her and Xenophilius’ room, which also happened to have a crib holding the baby.
“His name, what do you think it should be?” she asked Evan without looking at him.
Evan didn’t answer immediately. Pandora walked towards the crib, to see the newborn wide awake and kicking around.
“I thought it was obvious,” he finally said.
“What is?” she asked, knowing exactly what Evan means, as the baby held her finger.
“Well, he is basically a revived Regulus. He should be named Regulus.”
Pandora picked up Regulus and walked to her bed. She sat on the edge and motioned for Evan to sit next to her.
“Regulus was my friend too.” she said. “I miss him too.”
Evan nodded softly, “I want him to be remembered.”
Pandora reached out with one arm and hugged Evan’s side and pulled him in closer. Evan’s head was on Pandora’s shoulder, and he turned it so he could see baby Regulus. “This is insane. You're the mother of your childhood best friend.”
Pandora hummed, “And you’re the uncle.”
“And I’m the uncle,” he agreed. He laughed bitterly, “I want to see Barty’s reaction.”
“You should tell him.” Pandora smiled. “You might be able to see him cry for once.”
“Thrice.” Evan sighed, “Once when… oh that one’s private, twice for when Regulus… went missing, and now for the third time when we tell him we have him.”
“Sorry.” Pandora whispered. “Is he doing alright?”
Evan shook his head slightly, as much as you can when leaning on someone’s shoulder, “He stays in our guest room most of the time. Won’t even eat.”
Pandora sighed, “Hm.”
Evan sat upright, “Will we tell Regulus about his previous life?”
Pandora shrugged, “We have to take it slow, tell him he’s adopted or at least that we aren’t his birth parents. Plus, we haven’t even told his parents.”
Evan nodded. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Can I stay over?”
Pandora chuckled, “Of course. Xeno shouldn’t mind.”
“Okay,” said Evan, and he looked at his hand which still held the letter. He glanced over the letter again, then looked at Pandora to say, “He died October 15th?”
Pandora shrugged, “Apparently.”
“No one even noticed, then.” Evan’s eyes drifted off. “Not till the end of November.”
Pandora didn’t reply.
“Not even his own…”
Evan focused his eyes back on her suddenly. “His last name,” he started, “make sure it’s Lovegood.”
October 31, 1990
It’s Halloween and Regulus’ 9th birthday.
It’s also the family’s first Halloween without Pandora, Regulus’ first birthday without Pandora, and the 9th anniversary of the Potter’s death.
We can ignore that last bit.
Luna is dressed up as a giant jellyfish, Regulus is dressed up as a pirate, and Xenophilius is simply dressed in a red and white striped sweater to mimic a lighthouse.
Over the years, Xenophilius has grown used to the fact that he is the father of his former classmate. Regulus looks very similar to how he did in school, but he smiles and talks a bit more. It goes to show just how important the household someone lives in impacts them.
Regulus and Luna are also best friends, never doing one thing without the other.
Regulus however, is gifted. From a young age, his vocabulary was… no not like a philosopher but more like a 5 year old who could speak as understandable as a 10 year old. He still got along with Luna very well.
The problem was, he was too smart. He would just know subjects Xenophilius learned in 5th year! Out of nowhere! There aren't any books in the house that can help him with those certain materials. One day he’d ask what a muggle was and the other he’d be reciting how many peacock feathers you needed to brew Dragon Tonic!
Of course, it couldn’t be Pandora’s influence, because as much as Xenophilius is uncomfortable to mention it, Regulus isn’t blood related to Pandora.
And, all of Pandora’s books she bought over the years are kept in a small library in her “experimenting” room, which nobody goes in. Not that it’s a rule, it’s just an unspoken agreement.
Plus, Pandora never wanted them to read the books. There were certain topics that 7 year olds certainly should not learn about.
So, Xenophilius - like any other sane parent - hopefully - took him to a gifted class, in which he did well in. Well, ‘well’ may be both an overstatement and understatement. He excelled greatly in some higher year subjects, but did worse than fail in others. It was so mixed that Xenophilius brought him to one of the few people he had left that he trusted: Dumbledore.
Dumbledore looked at Regulus and tested him, and simply concluded he could start school earlier. He explained how skipping the Hogwarts’ years standards might be a problem because it isn’t like Regulus learned all the previous years materials. Therefore, Dumbledore suggested he should only start Hogwarts two years earlier. So now, Regulus must enter for the 1991 school year.
Yet, it doesn’t matter currently because today is Regulus' birthday and they are going trick or treating. So, he’ll act like nothing else in the world matters and spend the day with his children.
Luna and Regulus are holding hands and trotting throughout this muggle neighborhood - Luna insisted - and knocking on every door possible - also insisted by Luna.
This particular house, in which they have just stopped at, has its yard filled with pumpkins.
Xenophilius watches as Luna and Regulus knock on the door and giggle to themselves. Once the door opens, they yell out - more like quietly call out - “Trick or Treat!”.
The lady at the door smiled warmly at the kids and held out a bucket, “Take as many as you want.”
Luna grabbed two candies from the bucket, while Regulus got one large handful and dumped some of it into Luna’s hand.
Xenophilius followed them from behind and watched as they swapped each other’s candies, Luna wanting the Milky Way and Mars bars while Regulus simply wanted her few skittle packets.
Xenophilius smiled fondly as he watched them scatter to another house. Regulus’ cape got caught in a Halloween decoration, so Luna immediately went to help him. The two had a very close bond, nothing could separate them.
Regulus is currently lying in bed, reaching out the glowing stars on his ceiling. His hand brushes over them, (and yes, his hand is touching the ceiling, he sleeps on a bunk bed) he pulls one closer to him. The magic making it glow sends a mini shock through his fingers, his lip curls up at the sensation.
Regulus is starting Hogwarts soon.
Regulus is also nine years old.
Regulus doesn’t understand it either.
He likes the praise his father keeps giving him, for him being so smart… and yeah Regulus knows he is intelligent. He isn’t dumb!
It’s still so odd. Dumbledore doesn’t want Regulus to miss out on learning stupid charms like Alohomora , but is fine with him missing out on two years of learning basic vocabulary and wizardology. Awesome.
Regulus supposed he should be happy about this… grateful even… but it’s all too sudden.
He is months younger than Luna — young enough to be forced into the year after her — but is now meant to be starting school a year BEFORE her?
Honestly. This Dumbledore guy is insane.
And father asked him for advice! Regulus is quite sure Dumbledore doesn’t have children! Why?!
Well there is one upside and one downside.
The downside being he’d have to suffer his first year without Luna.
The second downside (Regulus just decided there was multiple) being he is nine in a room full of eleven year olds. Everyone tells him he is mature for his age, but still!
The upside being he will graduate from Hogwarts two years earlier than the average soul.
The other possible upside being he could be in the same year as a celebrity. Harry Potter.
Harry Potter, who killed the Dark Lord at age one, and lost his parents, all on Regulus’ exact birthdate.
(but that’s only if Harry Potter goes to Hogwarts like his parents)
So, to be honest here, the downsides overweigh the upsides. Uh oh.
Oh wait — a distraction! Regulus heard soft scratching from underneath him. That means..
“Luna?” he whispered into the dark from his top bunk, “You still awake?”
“Yes.” she whispered back, and Regulus quietly took off his blankets. He held onto the rim of his bunk and rolled over, his feet dangling until they found Luna’s bed. He slowly crouched down and saw Luna, engraving her wall with sketches she made with a sharp hair clip. There was a soft light coming from her wall, like a bad reading light.
She wore a bathrobe, most likely due to the cold temperatures.
He quietly scorched closer to her, observing the scene before he talked.
“What are you making now?”
Luna pointed at a spot on the wall, “Stars.”
Regulus rubbed his eyes. She had drawn at least over twenty constellations, and labeled them all. And it was large, Regulus realized, she had to have removed some of her previous sketches to fit all of these. The stars weren't just dots, they were the shape of a star and glowing, just like Regulus’ ceiling stars.
Regulus looked at where Luna had pointed, it was a constellation labeled Cancer, and there were four stars in it.
“It’s pretty.” Regulus quietly commented. It was nice how they didn’t have to use too many words to communicate.
“They are fascinating.” she responded, sighing before adding a small inscription underneath one particularly large star..
“ Sirius.” he mumbled..
For some reason, the name always came out weird. Sirius. Not like he said it often, but often enough that he noticed it. It felt like he wasn’t supposed to say the name like he did. Like he pronounced it wrong, though he didn’t.
He brushed it off thinking it was just because of what happened that day, on his birthday, with Sirius Black being a murderer and all...
But for some odd reason, he thinks there is something else to Sirius Black that makes him feel that way.
Regulus knows that through blood, he is a Black. That really is all he knows about his birth family. He can easily understand how he is related to that man in some way. Maybe that’s why he feels this way. There is a murderer connected to him.
Regulus just doesn’t want to think more about this man. He doesn’t not want to be related to a murderer.
In an effort to relieve his brain of such unsettling thoughts, he says good night to Luna and climbs his bunk. He will cover his face and wait until the time comes when he falls asleep.
Tonight, Regulus will purposefully forget his dreams. The dream which includes him chasing a boy who looks like himself but older, and with longer hair. Regulus will also choose to ignore how he called the older boy, “Siri”.
“Good morning.” said Xenophilius through a yawn once he opened the door. He looked at Luna first, because she was already awake, “We’re going to Diagon Alley today. Get dressed and please wake up your brother.”
Luna nodded and Xenophilius walked out of the room. It is like Xenophilius to leave things last minute. They only have today to get Regulus’ books and “equipment”. And uniform. And Regulus will most likely want an owl of some sort.
If they can’t find what they need, hopefully the professors understand.
Tsk, if only his family’s habits were implemented on Xenophilius. His parents knew his brother would get into Hogwarts, so they tried making a point of getting all his supplies months beforehand. They did not get Xenophilius’ supplies at the same time though.
Of course, since the list changes every now and then, they had to go back to Diagon Alley when the letter finally came. They used the excuse of Xenophilius needing to go.
Eventually, Regulus and Luna made it out of their room and into the kitchen. Xenophilius served them simple breakfast, and they were on their way.
Sure enough, once they arrived, it seemed that many families also postponed their school shopping.
To his left, he saw a shop with animals ranging from owls to snakes. He suddenly got an idea.
“Regulus?” he called, and Regulus turned to him at once.
“Go get a wand, or get your robes done. Luna and I are going to do something real quick.”
If Regulus was suspicious, he didn’t say anything. Xenophilius gave him about ten galleons, a pat on the shoulder, and sent him off.
He turned to Luna, “Follow me Luna. Your pick.”
Regulus entered Ollivander’s, anticipating the moment he would meet his own wand. However, once he entered, he was met with nothing. The counter was empty, and Regulus visibly deflated.
“Hello.” said a boy. Regulus turned to the noise - his left - and saw a blonde boy sitting in a chair. He didn’t look too welcoming, instead he looked intimidating.
Regulus stared at the boy before remembering he probably should respond.
“Hi.” he returned.
The boy raised an eyebrow before patting his hand on a stool next to him. This time Regulus did take the cue, walking over to sit on it.
“I’m waiting for Ollivander too.” said the blonde, “Dunno where he’s at, my father dropped me off here. I’m Draco Malfoy.” he said, and took out his hand expecting a shake.
Regulus eyed the boy warily before shaking it, “Regulus Lovegood.”
Malfoy raised an eyebrow, “A Lovegood? My father knew a Lovegood once.” he said and eventually took his hand back. He straightened his back and suddenly looked a bit interested. “So, are you pure blood?”
Regulus pursed his lips. Easy way out. “Yes.”
No need to bring in all the adoption drama.
“Hm.” the blonde said and looked Regulus over, “I assume you’ll go to Hogwarts?”
Regulus nodded in reply.
Malfoy smiled slightly, “Great. Do you think you'll be Slytherin? I personally know I’m going to Slytherin. You see, my family..”
Regulus let the boy go on his little tangent about blood purity and Salazar Slytherin..
If Regulus was being honest to himself, he hadn’t ever thought too much about the topic. It did intrigue him, of course.
Regulus and cunning in the same sentence… perhaps. Getting into Slytherin would be a flex.
Gryffindor? No. Regulus isn’t reckless enough. Bravery is also not his strong suit.
Hufflepuff is an obvious no. There’s a reason why he doesn’t have any friends other than his sister — he is “rude” and unapproachable.
Ravenclaw. Yes. That’s the one. Regulus is clever… why else would he skip two years? And, both his father and mother are Ravenclaw. It just makes sense.
(He definitely is not thinking that way because Luna will most definitely be a Ravenclaw and he couldn’t stand being that far apart when she starts school.)
“Not Slytherin.” he said after a minute of thinking. “Ravenclaw.”
Draco raised both of his eyebrows this time, “Oh really?”
“Yes.” he said, and left it at that. No room for argument.
“Why Ravenclaw?” the boy asked dramatically and if this boy didn’t stop talking — “What draws the line between smart and smarter? Being clever is a Slytherin trait, you could be Slytherin..”
Regulus tried not to glare at Malfoy. He did have a point. The similarities between Slytherin and Ravenclaw were ones he did not appreciate. According to his mother, years back, Slytherin and Ravenclaw were most likely to enjoy each other’s company.
Regulus took in a deep breath, “Slytherins prefer to use their knowledge to fulfill their needs and desires. Ravenclaws use their knowledge as it is meant to be — explored, understood, and expanded.
“And, by your logic, Slytherin and Hufflepuff share the loyalty trait, correct? You could be Hufflepuff.”
Malfoy took in the words and grimaced, “Okay. Got your point. Similar characteristic, different meaning.”
Regulus leaned back. He was getting bored. He was also exhausted. Lots of talking for it not even being noon.
Regulus watched as Malfoy sat up, walked over to the counter, and leaned over it, “I’M NOT WAITING ALL DAY!!” he yelled, and then stepped around the counter and explored the hallway.
Regulus didn’t even use the energy to get up and check on Malfoy.
The door chime went off. Regulus looked in front of him and saw a tall, imitating man, looking strikingly similar to Draco.
The man looked at him, his posture remained unchanged.
He took a deep look at Regulus' face before walking closer.
“You must be a Black.”
The seriousness of his voice gave Regulus goosebumps.
“Recognizing anyone and everyone from The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black is a trait I have, as I happen to be married to one.” he remarked. He flicked a curl off Regulus’ face, “I could assume you have a relation to a kid I used to know. What is your name?” he said slowly.
“Regulus Lovegood.” he mumbled, inching backwards.
The man looked stunned for a moment, until Malfoy — the younger one — interrupted them (thankfully).
“Father?”
The man turned to his son, who was beside the counter.
“Draco, have you gotten your wand?” he said and walked up to the shorter blonde.
“No, just got Ollivander to come back.” he said as the man in question came sliding on his ladder, “Good afternoon.” he said, which startled Malfoy so much his father had to catch him.
Short story… short, Malfoy got a Hawthorn wand with a core of Unicorn hair. Regulus didn’t really listen to much of Ollivander’s spiel, partly because he really didn’t care, and partly because Malfoy’s father wouldn’t stop glaring at him every few seconds. Quite distracting. Probably ticked off that a stranger must overhear this conversation.
Once the old man was done talking, Malfoy’s father tried pulling mini Malfoy out of the shop before he could talk to Regulus, but failed to do so as he managed a wave and a “Meet me on the Express, Lovegood!”
The door chimed with their exit, and Regulus slowly turned to Ollivander. Settled butterflies began soaring in his stomach. Oh, wands can determine whether you do dark magic in the future.
“Why, hello Mr. Lovegood. You are an interesting one.” he started and gestured to Regulus to come over.
“Your mother, oh Pandora, she was just as interesting. Always investigating the unknown…”
Regulus grimaced with frustration. That’s also how she died. “Can we skip the speech?” he asked.
Ollivander nodded, before turning back into his hallway. “I do happen to know the wand of your birth parents, Mr. Lovegood, if you’d like to know.”
Regulus eyes’ widened, “You know who they are?”
How come this old man knows but not Regulus? Dammit father, I can handle it!!
Ollivander came back with a box in his hand, “Wasn’t aware you didn’t know… perhaps it should stay that way, for the better.” he said and placed the box in front of Regulus. “Go on.”
Regulus sighed and opened the box, inside held a sleek, long wand. The tip was slightly bent. The portion of the wand that separated the handle and the actual wand had looked like a ray of light. The handle had thick rims with squiggly imprints.
“Hold it.”
Regulus did so, and there was sudden electricity he felt rush from his right hand to the rest of his body. He felt energetic, elated, all of it. He felt the magic pulsing through his body, so much so he felt the wand would take off flying without command.
“Elm wood, very elegant might I add, supple, 12 ¾, quite lengthy, and a phoenix core, notorious for being picky.”
Regulus took in a few deep breaths and put the wand back. He did feel less powerful as soon as he let go, but he still felt somewhat elated.
He smiled slightly and looked up at the older man, “My birth parents?”
Ollivander sighed, “They weren’t great people, Mr. Lovegood.”
Regulus’ smile faded. He knew that was a possibility. They were Blacks after all. “Why?”
The old man shook his head, “Your father should be the one to tell you. Now, seven galleons.”
Regulus paid for the wand and left the store with an unsettled mind. His parents were Blacks… the wrong kind of Blacks. Regulus liked to tell himself they were just distant cousins from Sirius Black — and that other one, the girl who is Voldemort’s most loyal follower — and just wanted to keep the last name for some reason, but maybe…
What if he is Sirius Black’s son?!
Regulus wanted to clear his mind. He wanted to find Luna. Luna was across from Ollivander’s waving at Regulus.
Only bumping into one angry lady, he made his way over. “Hi, Luna.”
“Hello, Reg. Come, Dad and I have a gift for you.”
She took his arm and walked further into Diagon Alley, where Regulus could see his dad hiding something behind his back.
“Regulus!” he exclaimed once he came up. “Close your eyes and hold out your hands.”
He did just that, and then he felt… something fluffy. It was long, he had to hold it tightly with both hands.
“Open.”
Regulus opened his eyes to a white Ragdoll cat in his hands. He gasped and moved his hand position so he held the cat more carefully. He slowly turned the quiet cat around to see their adorable face. The cat’s body was entirely cloud white, with bright blue narrowed eyes.
“You can name her whatever you want.” Luna whispered with a smile, though her words were very hard to hear over the chatter in the Alley.
Regulus didn’t take any moment of consideration, “Artemis,” he said. “I’ll name her Artemis.”
He looked up at his dad and then at Luna, he let himself smile.
The rest of his trip was unsurprisingly mundane.
… is what he would’ve said if he hadn’t been spending the entire day talking to Artemis and getting to know her. She was a quiet one, which Regulus may or may not be thankful for, and turned out to be almost two years old.
Artemis warmed up to Luna quite instantly, as if she saw no danger in her. To Regulus, she acted like he was her bodyguard. More like servant, actually.
Now that Regulus managed to get all of his books, robes, cat toys, cat food, and what-not, he let Artemis explore their home. That, she didn’t do much of, she instead climbed the stairs and scratched Regulus’ and Luna’s door. Luna let her in, of course, and Regulus found Artemis under their bunk.
Regulus let Luna stay with her as she slept, because for one he didn’t want Artemis to get so high up, and two, he would get to stay with Artemis the entire school year.
Which, Regulus is slowly getting more excited for.
He heard Artemis moving around, sometimes in Luna’s bed, scratching the bunk’s poles, or just wandering about the room.
Regulus stared at the fake stars above him until he felt his eyes drooping.