ashes to ashes.

Is that REGULUS BLACK we can see entering the Ministry of Magic? Our records tell us that they were born on 19 OCTOBER and are an EIGHTEEN year old, PUREBLOOD who currently works as UNEMPLOYED. Some have said that they can be described as being CALCULATING, POLITE & SCRUPULUS, however, they also see themselves as being ZEALOUS, NAIVE & JEALOUS. Apparently, HE looks a lot like THOMAS DOHERTY, whoever that is, and if they had to pick a side in the war, they would choose to join THE DEATH EATERS.

hi hello, i am notoriously awkward in these but i’m asbury! 26, she/they pronouns (either works, i’m not picky) and est! this is a bit long and i definitely did go overboard but please enjoy this absolutely dumpster fire of a kid! i apologize in advance if he’s an asshole to and/or tries to stab your character.

—

“Would I know where you shop for potions ingredients if I didn’t care?” Maybe it was too close to an argument, maybe he didn’t get his tone quite right, but Sirius didn’t know what else to say or how else to say it. Of course he cared about Reg, of course he’d never stopped caring, of course he was never going to stop. He didn’t have that in him. 

Could Regulus actually think that? Sirius’s instinct was to say no, that no one who knew him could think that, but he wasn’t that sure Regulus actually did know him. They’d been kids and Reg was his kid brother at that– maybe he’d seen Sirius leave and the facade he’d put up afterwards and assumed that was the end of it. “I wrote letters every day, for the first month. I still write them sometimes– never sent one ‘cause I didn’t want to get you in trouble. I’m sorry I made you think I didn’t want to talk to you.”

-

There was not a single part of him that believed Sirius had been there waiting for him. It was sheer coincidence, nothing more. “You and I have hardly spoken since you left and I promise you, my shopping habits have changed since then. So unless you’re stalking me, you’d have actually no way of knowing.” This conversation with Sirius isn’t even one he’s supposed to be having, but he figures what his mother doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Maybe Sirius is expecting him to be the same kid he was when he ran away to the Potters’, but the mark on his arm proved otherwise. 

Unsent letters weren’t enough, though hearing that cracked the ice in his blood unexpectedly. He wasn’t prepared for Sirius to admit to having thought about him, as he had convinced himself he was expendable to his brother mere days after he left. But the almost sadness in him was quietly harnessed for anger and his hand closed around the knife in the pocket of his trousers. This was his biggest fear about to play out in front of him, injuring his brother, but he stepped closer, debating. “I don’t believe you.” At this point, he wouldn’t believe a word out of his mouth. 

—

“Let me rephrase: I’m perfectly fine with being replaced.” Alecto had never really been one for loyalty and there didn’t seem to be all that much point in pretending otherwise. If someone wanted that, they’d be better off getting a dog. “I’ll donate my time as long as I’m needed, don’t misunderstand me, but I’ll be happy when I can travel again without always being on call. Unlike some, I’ve got a life outside of this.”

-

It wasn’t worth the argument with Alecto, though he was half tempted to continue trying to make his point if only to prove he wouldn’t back down so easily. But he conceded the point, more inclined to not cause even the slightest rift with someone who might be of use to him than he was about being right, and he was right. “What do you do in your free time?” he asked, simply looking to make conversation at this point.

          James knew there were plenty of people that did not approve of his relationship with Lily. He was well aware that people thought he should be maintaining his pureblood lineage. Except he’d never believe in all of that. James wanted to marry for love. Lily was a brilliant witch and smarter than him in every way. “We haven’t sent out invitations yet, but I’ll put you on the list if you want to come. It’s just going to be family and friends.” He didn’t want it to be a huge event, which might be unlike him. “Yeah, but you could.” James knew Sirius would never admit it, but he knew Sirius missed his younger brother. He always changed the subject when that topic was brought up. Sometimes James felt like they both just needed a push. He probably shouldn’t concern himself with his best friend’s business though. “What are you up to these days?” 

-

As noncommittally as he could, Regulus just hummed. Their wedding was not an event he cared enough to celebrate, as he wasn’t close with either James or Lily and condemned James’ diluting of his family tree. But his manners had been drilled into his head with enough force that even his cruelness was often hidden behind a pleasant smile and an affable tone. “We’ll see.” It was the simplest answer he could give without flat out saying no. “That won’t be happening.” What had once been him missing his brother’s presence turned into disinterest and then into anger at being abandoned. Sirius was someone he couldn’t bring himself to hurt but the thought often crossed his mind. “The usual. Potion making, reading.” Waiting for his parents to set him up with a wife. 

—

Sirius wasn’t sure when the last time he’d actually spoken to Regulus was at this point. Back in school, probably? He had the overwhelming feeling that this wasn’t the right way to go about it, but he was also so relieved to hear his brother’s voice. There wasn’t all that much he could tell from that, but Reg at least looked alright.

And walking away from Sirius, which was not what he wanted. He hadn’t even been planning to talk to Regulus, but now he couldn’t stand the idea of the conversation being over that soon. Reg had to miss him too, right? “Y’ alright, Reggie?” he called after him, knowing how much Regulus hated the nickname.

-

The few steps away weren’t enough to put Regulus out of earshot, so he heard Sirius using his least favorite nickname, though Reg was a close second, loud and clear. It took everything he had to not react visibly, though it would be a lie to say his hand hadn’t twitched for his wand or his knife before he reined himself in and made a fist instead. He was carrying too many things to consider dropping them. 

“Funny, you ask as if you actually care.” He hasn’t turned to look at Sirius, but the droll tone to his voice said he was almost smiling, though more out of removed cruelty than actual amusement or fondness for his brother. “But we both know you don’t, considering we haven’t spoken in years.” 

Something about the look on Regulus’s face gave her pause, and she contemplated making her excuses and leaving, before deciding she was being silly. Even if he wished her harm (and really, she had absolutely no evidence that he did) it’s not like he would try anything in a public, crowded place like this…right? She was just being paranoid. She forced a smile when he agreed to share the table and take part in the game, and she felt some of her anxieties relax. “Excellent!” she said. “Two bright heads are better than one, I’ve always found.” And it was true. Although they weren’t in the same Year or House, Lily thought she remembered from school that Regulus was very gifted, like her. She laughed lightly at his statement, insisting, “Don’t worry, I can definitely pull my own weight.” She wasn’t top of her class and Head Girl for nothing. “So, how are you, Regulus? What are you up to these days?”

-

On a personal level, Regulus held nothing against Lily. Deep down, beneath the politics of blood and who deserved what and if muggleborns should even be allowed to exist, he actually respected her, be it for her wit or her bravery, the latter of which Regulus sadly lacked. Or, at least, he could have respected her, if he could see past all of the hate swirling in his head all the time, saying that she shouldn’t exist, was below him, a peasant standing in front of gods. Thoughts that hadn’t always been there but were now too firmly rooted to leave. “Nothing much.” It was both a cop out answer and very true. While he wasn’t serving the Dark Lord, he kept much to himself, reading or meeting girls from pureblood families that he might potentially be set up with. But he couldn’t say any of that would further questioning. “How about yourself?” He didn’t care, but he was nothing if not polite. 

          “No one can prove that I’ve done anything unsavory,” he pointed out. He and Alecto knew how to cover their tracks. Most of the time he was able to cover his tracks and when he did, Alecto was there to cover for him. That’s how they operated. Mostly, he was the one doing what Regulus would call unsavory things. Though most of those things were done in the name of Voldemort, so he had an excuse. “All you could do is say I’m bothering you and they’ll leave you alone.” Amycus wouldn’t get kicked out of a store for throwing something. He wouldn’t get caught throwing something. “You shouldn’t assume things, Regulus. Not everyone is bad.” He rolled his eyes. Maybe Amycus was different in his views though. “No, it’s just an asshole. There’s nothing wrong with me.” 

-

Prove was the magic word. As long as there was no evidence against you, it was all hearsay, which was generally inadmissible in any sort of hearing. He let the topic drop, mostly because he knew when he was beat, but he also didn’t care enough to actually argue the point. Better to let Amycus think he’s won and they could all move on with their day. It’s usually how most of the conversations he’s only slightly invested in go. If he doesn’t care enough to really participate, he won’t bother to make the other see his side. This was strictly for entertainment purposes. “Fair enough. My cat constantly defecates on the rugs and then I have to listen to my mother complain about it. Thank Merlin for Kreacher.” 

Sirius did not want to admit how long he’d been pacing around in front of this building, nor that it wasn’t the first time he’d been there. It’d been too long since he’d seen his brother though, and he was starting to get worried. 

Regulus was a smart kid, right? He was probably fine. Sirius was just overreacting, he had to be, but he’d been reading things in the news lately and there was no harm in making sure. Normally he’d hang out near Grimmauld Place as Padfoot, but lately he couldn’t stomach the idea of going near that place.

He was still pacing, completely focused on watching the shops across the street, when he ran right into someone. A very familiar person. “Oh, fucking hell–”

@regblackx​

-

There wasn’t a whole lot Regulus found himself doing when not in service to the Dark Lord. He read a lot, played quidditch with some friends from the right families, and brewed potions, most of which was challenging, if for no other reason than proving he could do it. He hadn’t been invited to the Slug Club for no reason, after all. With an armful of books and fresh ingredients for veritaserum, he headed home but had clearly spotted Sirius before Sirius spotted him.

Despite expecting Sirius to move to avoid being hit, he didn’t, and Regulus ended up walking directly into him. “Interesting way of getting my attention,” he said, formally polite like he would be to any outsider. There was no trace of teasing or anything inclination to the brotherly jabs they’d have made at each other in their childhood. Without hesitation, he brushed past Sirius and continued on his way home.

          James had never understood why Regulus was so cold to him. Sure, he and Sirius were close. James had always considered Sirius his brother, but that didn’t negate his friend’s relationship with his own brother. Or maybe it did and he just hadn’t noticed it. Whatever the reason was, nothing could really be considered his fault. Right? He didn’t like to think about negative things though. “Well, yes.” He could say the same thing. “I could also buy them myself.” More specifically he could whine at his parents and they’d buy it for him; he was certain that’s what Regulus would do too, unless he was already making a lot of money. “I did. I have to start saving up money for the wedding, so I don’t like spending money on items I don’t need.” It was the truth, even though his parents said they’d help with a portion of the wedding, James wanted to contribute something. “Sirius is here somewhere. You should say hello.” 

-

Oh right. The wedding. A blood traitor and a mudblood, nothing much to see there, unless you like the ideas of ruining a pureblood line, though Regulus didn’t extend much thought to blood traitors. They’d already proved that they weren’t worth the words to change their minds or the breath it would take to say it. “Should I assume my invitation got lost in the post?” It was clearly a joke, even if not all that funny. They both knew he wouldn’t attend even if he was invited. “Sirius and I are no longer on speaking terms.” But that wasn’t a new thing, Regulus had hardly spoken to his brother since Sirius left to live with James. There wasn’t much overlap with different years and different houses in Hogwarts and without spending the summer together, Regulus had stopped trying all together. “Haven’t been for years.”

—

“If you’ve got another cursebreaker just as capable, I wouldn’t complain about having my free time back.” Alecto supposed that attitude was likely not going to land her too many favours if the Dark Mark crowd did get their way, but their favours just weren’t that interesting. She touched her wand to her compact to make it levitate while she carefully touched up her eyeliner. “Complacent would be putting all your eggs in one basket– especially before you’ve even seen the market for eggs.’

-

“Maybe I have,” he hummed, picking up a bronze statue of Nike, complete with wings. It was about the size of his forearm and heavy enough that if he got a decent swing on it, it’d cause serious blunt force trauma. It was a little messier than he’d prefer to go but he handed over a few galleons to the merchant and let the merchant wrap up the statue for him to bring home. “Let me rephrase then. I wouldn’t get cocky. Don’t think that being a cursebreaker makes you unable to be replaced.”

          He’d never particularly cared what people thought of him. Amycus was a bit of a wild card and that was part of the reason he was an asset to the Death Eaters. “What reputation? All people know about me is that I have a bit of a temper.” And that he was not the smartest of the bunch. “We’re not together, so I don’t know why you’d get banned from the shop,” he pointed out. Personally, it wouldn’t be the first time he’d gotten banned from a store before. Amycus didn’t care that much. “I don’t know. Ask Alecto.” Probably not though. “Although as long as i’m living there, I would say no. Her demon already screams at me all the time. I don’t understand why people like cats so much.” 

-

“A bit of a temper turns into something more turns into them looking into you and seeing that you’ve done unsavory things, because I sincerely doubt you were careful enough to walk away clean from everything you’ve ever done.” Not even Regulus himself was that careful, though it helped that he’d hardly been involved with anything since he’d only just graduated the past summer. “We may not be together, but we’re talking, and clearly on familiar terms. People make assumptions, Amycus.” He dropped the petal to the floor and began looking elsewhere, shrugging. “They say animals are a good judge of people,” he pointed out, “If the cat doesn’t like you, there’s a reason why. Or it may just be an asshole.” 

          “Really? Why?” He knew that he’d made enemies in school, but he’s always thought it was people like Snape. James couldn’t really think of anything that would make Regulus hate him, other than the fact that he was so close with Sirius. They’d always been close though, so he didn’t understand why that would be a problem. It wasn’t as if he’d forced Sirius to leave home. “Sorry,” he moved out of the way at the same time that Regulus pushed past him. He bit down on his lip and grabbed a chocolate frog from the display beside him, tossing it into the air. “Er, are you enjoying everything?” James was trying to be nice because unless he was trying to show off, he typically didn’t attempt to piss people off. “Did you buy any raffle tickets?” He didn’t really know what he was supposed to say, but he was attempting to keep the conversation light. That’s what he was best at anyway. 

-

There was no way Potter could be that dense, he had to have been playing stupid. There were very few people Regulus considered intelligent enough to figure out the reasoning behind his words and James was one of them. He should know why Regulus didn’t like him and playing dumb might actually be worse than being too dumb to know. Frankly, he didn’t care much about the sweets, he just wanted to get out of the main road for a moment and now he was regretting it. “Of course not. Whatever the prize is, if I wanted it, I could buy one myself.” It wasn’t like the Blacks were stressed for money, especially since Regulus had grown up and stopped finding fascination in material items. Nowadays he liked the things money couldn’t buy: figuring out how people ticked and getting under their skin. He didn’t care about James’ answer, but the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them, “Did you?”

Lily had always loved trivia, and she was rather good at it, if she did say so herself. She could’ve grabbed a table with any number of the welcoming faces that greeted her as she walked into The Three Broomsticks, but most teams were already full, and Lily decided that she wanted to play by herself anyway. She grabbed the last empty table in the place, and was busy scribbling down her name on a piece of parchment when a familiar voice startled her. “Oh, hello Regulus,” she said, blinking in surprise. She didn’t think this was the kind of activity the younger Black sibling would be interested in. She glanced around, a little uneasily. Sirius had confided in her many of his problems with his brother, and she didn’t quite know how to react to him. “Well, since it’s just the two of us, I think we can make do with sharing, don’t you? Do you want me to put your name down?” she asked, pointing to the piece of parchment. 

-

A second passed before he even acknowledged her reply, leaning back in his chair rather leisurely, like he wasn’t planning on how to best cause her pain in such a crowded public setting. The knife in his pocket was always an option but, despite being notoriously private and never speaking ill of people where he could be heard, the mark on his arm would immediately say what he’d done was intentional. Like a knife to the thigh could be anything but. When she didn’t appear to be in any rush to leave, he sighed. “Fine, I suppose.” He actually enjoyed trivia, always thinking of himself as the smartest person in the room, but he wasn’t so sure he wanted to be forced into conversation with her. Then again, what else was he supposed to do while he had his drink? “Don’t expect me to give you all the answers.”

Crowds were not included in the list of things Regulus enjoyed. He preferred the quiet, a slower moving pace, as opposed to the overlapping, mindless chatter and people in a rush to get from point a to point b. It was the only reason why he found himself wandering farther and farther away from the hustle and bustle of the winter market towards the Shrieking Shack. Rumor said it was haunted, but Regulus didn’t believe in ghosts, which made it perfect. Most, if not all, of the general public would be at the fair, and even those who weren’t wouldn’t go this far. Or so he thought, with bitter frustration, as he saw someone headed down the path towards the bench he was occupying. “The market is back the other way, you know.”

          Amycus knew that he probably should have been more mature than to throw the mushroom, but well… if he was going to be poisoned, then he was taking someone else with him. Hopefully the person he threw it at wasn’t another pureblood because then he’d feel a little bad. “No, I don’t think I can do that.” He didn’t see a point in pretending that he was a civilized person, when he would never be the person that his parents wanted him to be. Thankfully, he’d never cared about his image. If he wanted to be a respectable person, he’d try. “I care because the cat’s a demon and I plan on being a ghost.” 

-

Of course Amycus wouldn’t pretend to care. Regulus resisted the urge to roll his eyes again, a habit he seemed to do a lot around people he was better than. “If you care nothing for your own reputation, then care about mine. I can’t really go around getting banned from shops and you being you will get us both kicked out.” His fingers trailed over a rose and he plucked one of the petals out to bring it up to his nose. As if Amycus hadn’t said anything, he asked, “Do you think Alecto would want my cat? It was a gift from my uncle but the mangy thing just shreds my furniture and throws up on my floor.”

          James loved Honeyduke’s. He’d always had a bunch of money to spend in the store, buying tons and tons of sugar for him and his friends. And then when they were out, he still managed to get more regardless of when the next Hogsmeade weekend was. Being here brought him back memories. The sugary smell of the store made him want to buy up a ridiculously large portion of the store. Though he knew that he needed to save money for the wedding. Except, now that he was standing in front of a case, he couldn’t help wanting to buy all the taffy. He had a huge sweet tooth after all. He was staring at the display as he heard someone speak. James turned to see Regulus. “Hey! Wow. It’s been a long while since I’ve seen you.” James couldn’t help the grin on his face. While he wasn’t close to Regulus, he considered Sirius a part of his family. “How are you?” 

-

“Us not seeing each other was intentional.” James’ smile wasn’t as warm and welcoming as James probably thought it was. Regulus didn’t share in James’ excitement, hadn’t in years. Despite his best efforts to cling to the Marauders growing up, the differences in age and houses and being Sirius’ little brother had stopped it from really getting anywhere. They’d never been friends, but at one point, Regulus had liked him. And then Sirius ran away. James stole his brother. “I’d be better if you stopped blocking the taffy.” A little rudely, unlike how he usually was, he pushed past James. The taffy had mainly been so he could stop walking for a second and get out of the way of other people but now he stared at the display like it was the most interesting thing he’d ever seen. 

Pub trivia was just an excuse to get people to buy the drinks offered at the establishment, which, in Regulus’ opinion, shouldn’t be necessary if the drinks were any good. It was a bit crowded, way past his comfort level of people, but there was nothing he could do about it short of cause chaos of some kind; while it was an entertaining idea, he didn’t care much for dealing with the ire of his mother for causing a scene in public. Finding an empty table was dumb luck, leaving it to get himself a butterbeer was just dumb. When he came back, he found an, unfortunately, familiar head of red hair seated there. Fucking mudblood. “You’re at my table,” he said as he sat. It’s a pointed statement and he expected her to take the hint and leave before his mood soured.