Regulus A. Black

      such a fair heart races in conditions such as these,   searching tirelessly for a way to accept the reality of their situation,   a way to understand.   so,   that narcissa could make what she could of all this,   just as the black daughter had always done.   ❛   and   what   has   transpired?   ❜   she asks pointedly,   tempting fate,   ❛   what   is   it   you’ve   done   for   your   dark   lord?   ❜   for if regulus hadn’t been willing to divulge the existence of the death eaters before now,   she hoped,   at least,   he’d seek redemption now…   re-earn her trust by revealing what his involvement among them had been all this time.   perhaps then,   she could lend him her ear,   offer him comfort like he’d wished her to since the beginning.   it wasn’t within her to abandon him now.   it might have been easier to storm off just as bellatrix had done,   leave him to his feelings and pay it no mind.   only she,   and the family who watched over them from beyond would surely curse her for it.   and better yet,   narcissa needed clarification…    closure and reframing it as a matter of her safety does strike a cord,   prompting the blonde to nod in gentle understanding,   blue-green gaze softening in tandem.   still,   narcissa wishes she had known all along.   the idea alone that her wellbeing had rest in the hands of others scarcely sitting well with her.   an out of sight,   out of mind way of thinking may well have worked perfectly fine for others but not her.   there was a certain level of control narcissa had grown up expecting and here…   well,   she was being reduced to a frivolous,   little pawn at best.   ❛   i   understand…   and   i   appreciate   your   concern,   more   than   anything.   you   must   know   that.   ❜   narcissa reassures,   giving his hand a comforting squeeze as thoughts begin to fall from lips faster than she can quite comprehend,   ❛   still   i   wish   i’d   have   known   sooner,   i   feel   as   though   i   could   have   helped…      i   could   have   safeguarded   myself,   taken   precautions.   i   do   have   a   way   with    people   you   know   but   instead,    instead   you’ve   all   made   me   feel   so   useless…   ❜   she rambles on,   frustration mounting,   further tears and all.   it’s only upon clearing her throat,   taking an extended moment of tranquility to gather herself.   abandoning the previous line of questioning to somethinng that had eaten away at her from the very beginning,   ❛   so…   ❜   the blonde begins tentatively,   ❛   who   else   is   involved?   i’d   like   names.   ❜   or rather,   confirmation of what she’d long since theorised.

Ah, to speak of what had transpired. To finally free the bird caged in his heart and yet Regulus knew a moment of fear and uncertainty. What if it was more than Narcissa would accept? After all, many did consider the imperius curse to be unforgivable? What if some of that had worked its way into Narcissa? He took a breath and looked up at his cousin, taking a deep breath and moving his hand from his sleeve where it had crept in a subconscious attempt to pluck at the embroidery at his sleeve. 

“I... I have failed the Dark Lord,” He whispered, grabbing his hand to stop any nervous ticks that were not becoming for a son of the House of Black. He did not miss miss Narcissa’s use of ‘your’. It sat uncomfortably with him, especially in light of what he must reveal.  “Last Yule Ball, I cast the imperius curse on Bagnold’s son. Instead of carrying out his task... He vanished. We’ve still not been able to locate him.” Regulus said slowly, mind slipping to the mystery that it had left in its place and an uncomfortable fear.  “The Dark Lord is merciful. I did not face repercussions for my failure.” He wrung his hands, thought better of it and placed them by his side.

He listened to her pains, the difficulties she had faced not knowing, being kept in the dark and made to feel useless. He closed his eyes, letting the waves of her words wash over him, hitting him. 

      he had lied to her,   betrayed her trust at a time in their lives when she needed it,   and him,   most.   perhaps if she were sat across from someone else,   or this…    revelation had occurred months,   or even years ago,   relief may well have sat in place of resentment but narcissa can’t bring herself to move passed it.   hung up on why of all people,   he hadn’t told her…   consequences be damned.   ❛   it’s   not   as   if   i’d   have   ever   told   anyone,   reg…   nor   will   i   do   so   now   but   do   you   not   think   that   i   could   have   used   this   information?   i   thought   our   friendship,   our   family   meant   more   than   that   or   perhaps,   you   just   didn’t   trust   me   with   it,   is   that   it?   ❜   even in anger,   there’s still a fondness in her words,   her expression,   her hurt.   looking to him as tears roll down her cheeks now,   ❛   only   i   have   dedicated   everything   i   am   or   ever   will   be   to   this   family,   and   the   betterment   of   this   family   and   yet   you   all   thought   it   best   to   shut   me   out!   ❜   she exclaims,   exasperated.   hecate,   would she rain hellfire down upon mother  &  father once returning home to brideswater.   sighing,   ❛   on   something   as   important   as   this   too.   ❜   suddenly she recedes back into herself,   pouting furiously all the while.    for narcissa was an emotional being at her core,   ruled by them despite how tirelessly she worked to prove otherwise.   and not even regulus’ reassurances could temper the overwhelming sense of inadequacy she felt in that moment.   that perhaps,   after this transgression,   she was not quite the jewel in the crown they’d each assured her she was.   for if they truly believed in their dark lord’s cause,   why had she not been privy to it before now,   and how could they have ever expected her to rejoice over the secrecy?   diminished,   she,   if a little begrudgingly,   accepts his hand in hers.   gripping on to it with slender digits as if to reassure him,   in some sense,   that she was hearing him,   despite its difficulty for her to accept.   head and heart begging to tear her in two,   ❛   i…   i   do   believe   you.   i   just…   ❜   she stammers,   ❛   i   wouldn’t   have   done   this   to   you.   i   could   never   have   kept   that   from   you.   ❜   regardless of the repercussions. 

His throat caught, stinging, as Narcissa spoke of his betrayal of her and his fingers pulled through dark hair, tugging and pulling at locks in response to the feelings that surged through him at her words. He wanted to pace, he wanted to get onto a broom to feel the rush of adrenaline and escape the realities of his lies, feelings that were wholly inappropriate for a Black to feel. They did not run from responsibilities, from the consequences of their actions.  “Would that it be as simple as trust.” He said, grey eyes pleading with her. “It has been a constant pain in my heart, to not be able to speak plainly with you, after everything that has transpired...” 

There had been no moment greater turmoil than the days succeeding that fateful Yule Ball where he knew his curse had failed and he had brought shame to his name. He had disappointed the Dark Lord, Bellatrix and Lucius Malfoy, the man he knew Narcissa converted and treasured in her fair heart. To not be able to tell Narcissa had been torture and torment that he had ne’er known, desiring her words of comfort, her advice, but unable to seek it. He permitted himself a small sigh, pulling his hands away from his hair and to stare at the lines that crossed his palm.

“Of course” though she wasn’t at all sure that regulus’ thanks were genuine. still it was something positive to bring back to the office for once. after all the ministry had given up a lot during that fight. moody now having to adjust to his new life. frank had almost lost his life. she just wished she would be able to pass on the thanks without the sarcasm she thought his request deserved. she also ignored the last part of his statement, it was easier just to evade any inquiries in to her whereabouts this evening. though she’d actually been unconscious in st mungo’s for most of the fight “i’m sure they will be thankful for the support.”

alice really didn’t like the idea of the black family being involved in the justice side of this investigation. they were too close to it and alice knew deep down their fingerprints were all over this. alice had long suspected that regulus had been planted in the ministry for when his family had a ‘problem’. he didn’t need to work and whether he actually enjoyed it or not, it was impossible to believe they wouldn’t at least abuse his position. “i’m not sure i’d call murder drama but- somebody has to make sure that the people who do things like this pay for their actions.”

@regulus7​

It was a shame that Yen did not give an answer to where she had been. Regulus was curious as to what the official stance might be after all, surely her absence would be noted by more than a few. It would be wrong to press it though.

Regulus’ lip twitched as Yen quibbled with his definition of this as drama. “Of course. It feels a lot less drama when it affects oneself. I would feel that this is a catastrophe yet if it happened to someone else, drama. Society thrives on it and our work depends on it.” Aurors and lawyers needed it otherwise their work was rather pointless. “But you can rest assured that it is in my interest to see justice is done. It is an important matter to myself and my family.” He said softly. “We won’t shy away from uncomfortable truths.” It was why he was so serious about the Crump case, after all, and it was why he served the Dark Lord.

Society might fear the truth but he did not.

regulus once again made a fine point. though she didn’t agree with the first half. people enjoying their lives in peace and putting trust in the system created to keep them safe was not ‘lax’. it was how things were supposed to work and she wouldn’t blame people for trying to live their live without constant worry. the ministry had and continued to fail to protect those they looked after. alice was far too well aware of that. it plagued her most days. he was right about that level of power, alice had always known that in its foundation the ministry was corrupt, for them to have more power didn’t sit well with her either. they needed to have someone to answer to. she did hope that it wasn’t naïve to believe the auror’s department was an exception the corruption. his next words were interesting. he was right, who would be bold enough to offer such a 'slight’ to the Black family, and so publicly. it just fed alice’s suspicions that they were tied up in this in some way. even if not all the members of the family were aware of it. regulus was also so well put together it was difficult to work him out. alice hadn’t expected the thanks- though she knew it wasn’t as innocent as it seemed. “i’m afraid i couldn’t possibly take those thanks- i believe its well known that i was no there” alice didn’t want to say anything else on the matter bit didn’t think it wise for regulus to catch her in a lie either “but i think we all equally want the culprits to be caught and you have my reassurance, the department will not stop until they have been brought to justice.”

@regulus7​

Regulus resisted the urge to smirk as Yen admitted that she had not been at the ball when the fighting went down. He knew exactly where she had been. He merely gave a nod. “Then bring back my thanks to the department. And I am certain you had equally important matters to attend to.” He was not certain what had been the consequences to those that they had left behind after retrieving the prophecy. Nothing could be clearly known but as an auror, Yen would be able to claim a plethora of reasons as to why she had to leave. 

As for catching the culprits, Regulus had less faith in the auror department. They did not know how deeply the Dark Lord’s reach extended and how the Ministry was so hopelessly outmatched. 

“It’ll be an interesting legal case, when the culprits are finally brought to justice.” He mused. “I’m curious what their defence will be, although I doubt that I shall be able to be involved once when it comes to court. Biases and all.” He heaved a sigh. “It is a pity that drama makes good work for lawyers and aurors, is it not?”

“Hmm” alice somewhat agreed “i’d be better if they put that brainpower towards something more worthwhile.” she hated to think how many people wasted their intelligence. not that she thought everyone should work for the ministry or anything, she understood it had it’s problems, but there had to better things to do with their time than conning people out of their hard earned money. 

regulus asking questions about the investigation made her uncomfortable. she didn’t trust for one minute that he just innocently wanted an update. his family were either in on the whole thing or were looking for someone to use to clear their name. alice wasn’t prepared to give him either. not that their was any update, not that the ministry had anyway. alice knew damn well who had orchestrated the attack, but regulus either already knew or had no right to know. “yes i can imagine” she kept her tone neutral “i’m afraid that I can’t really share anything- with it being an ongoing investigation and all.”

@regulus7​

“Sometimes I worry it is a symptom of society. We have become laxed. It allows threats to slip in and those who make money off of panic to succeed.” Regulus said lightly. “But then again, if the Ministry were to have tighter control, who’d keep them in check? I’d hate to think what would happen to the scapegoats.” He flashed a smile, despite the darkness of his words. Silas Crump, the werewolf he was helping to represent, would not fair well under such a system. Men who had not been born and raised with power in their lineage would do anything to have a semblance of control.

He nodded at Yen’s evasion of his question. “Of course, completely understandable.” He nodded, keeping his face straight. “I hope that the culprits can soon be identified. I had not thought that anyone would offer such a slight to my family... to mother and Aunt Druella. They are wonderful witches and did not deserve that.” He heaved a sigh.  “Nor those who were supposed to be having a night off from the drama. I heard the aurors took some heavy hits. You must have my thanks for helping protect our guests.”

With: @frank-orion​

Regulus found himself lounging in what passed for a communal café for Ministry workers, staring at nothing in particular. Writer’s Block, someone had unhelpfully suggested as he had stared at the same line for what had to be the hundredth time. What he was supposed to do with the knowledge that there was a name for this particular malady, Regulus did not know. Apparently it was a marvel that he had not wrestled with this vice before. A part of him had bit back the retort that it was because he came from a noble and pureblooded family. They did not have the luxury of bad days.

Perhaps it was his mood that interfered with his work. Some people had become irrationally fearful after the Summer Solstice Ball and their constant jumping at every noise was grating. It was especially annoying considering Regulus had been on a victory high, having succeeded in gaining the Prophecy from Dumbledore and his lackeys. 

A door slammed and Regulus could have sworn that one third of the cafeteria jumped. “Merlin!” He grumbled, placing his coffee down a little too harshly. “Can’t everyone stop jumping at the slightest bit of noise. It’s a wonder anything can get done.” 

Alice rolled her eyes as Regulus filled her in on the situation. It still amazed her how quickly people could flock to something like this, but struggled when it came to anything real. One thing she had learnt very quickly after joining the Ministry was that there were also people ready to make a profit from tragedy. Alice despised them. She could understand the people looking desperately for some kind of comfort and security, however naïve they might be. But those people who used their fear, it was despicable on every level.

“Of course it did” she scoffed. Alice had never been the biggest fan of the Daily Prophet. It’s front page was too easily bought by those with too much power. It also sat far too much of the fence for Alice taste’s. “Well at least it’ll give us something else to focus on at the ministry” she mused “no doubt their will be some people who use these thing to try pull off something criminal”

@regulus7​

“Oh, I certainly expect that almost all items being peddled will do nothing.” Regulus said with a nod. “Although you have to give them credit, they were quick off the mark to start selling such tat.” He sniffed in contempt at such people, his dark eyes roaming across the crowd. This was what came from letting in people into their world who had not been raised in it. They couldn’t tell truth from fiction and were easily lead astray. 

“You must forgive me for mixing business with pleasure but have you managed to gain any information about the attack on the Solstice Ball?” Regulus asked, glancing over at Yen. He did not want any suspicion to fall upon him or his friends and it occurred to him that befriending aurors - or at least being in their good books - would likely be favourable to him.  “My family... We are naturally quiet concerned about this whole ordeal.”

.

“Perhaps so,” Rosalie acknowledged. “But they are rather prickly, especially when moulting. There was once a time when my dear Artemis would pluck her feathers and I’d find them all over my bedroom. They would seem to appear wherever I went.” It was when she had returned that it was certainly awful. The wretched display of her most beloved companion had pained her. Her parents dismissed it, but Rosalie knew it had been over her absence. She recovered within the following weeks. They helped eachother to heal. “I don’t suppose you have any paintings of that?” She playfully remarked. A gloved hand ran over the feline’s head, received by a low purr of content. It caused a smile. 

Faithfully clutching the arrangement of flowers occupying her other hand, she stood back up and met his eye. “A drink would be splendid. If it’s not too much to ask, might I have a glass of wine? Something warm.” The cold outside was biting. She could still feel the chill of it down her spine. Rosalie merely hoped the request wasn’t too improper. A show of sudden realization washed over her features. “Oh! By Morgana, I almost forgot,” she began with a tender chuckle, extending the handsome bouquet of Baby’s Breath and Spiderwort flowers out toward him. “These are for your mother. It was the least I could do for her hospitality.”

.

Frowning, Regulus  thought about Artemis and her feather plucking problem. “Sounds like she has quiet a dependence on you.” He commented, watching as Denebola rubbed her head against Rosalie, enjoying the attention she was receiving.  “Denebola knows if I’m going to be gone too long and likes to lie on my robes. It is a good sign of love, I suppose.”  He mused. He didn’t think that he would have a ‘feather plucking’ problem but he knew the fact that he still happily lived at home, might be described as a dependence on his parents. It was a healthy love, though. 

Taking the offered flowers, Regulus dipped his head to Rosalie. “Thank you, I am certain that she will be absolutely delighted.” He smiled, summoning Kreacher. He instructed the House Elf to put the flowers in a vase of water and to bring them to his mother if she was in and explain that Rosalie had brought them. “She may attend on us, if she wishes.” Regulus smiled, uncertain whether she was in or out. Grimmauld Place was big. “I’ve quiet had my head in a book and have been oblivious to everyone’s movements. Now, shall we move to the Parlour? We have a fine vintage of port, or if its more to your liking, a spiced wine. It’s from a Medieval recipe and is meant to be quiet healthy although I do find it a tad sweet.” He said, offering his arm as a guide.

Sybill couldn’t deny that Regulus was definitely making her think. His arguments were well thought out and she wasn’t exactly used to this kind of debate. Whenever she usually tried to talk about these things with anyone but her friends, she could see them turn off, simply nodding along but not really listening. “Its an interesting take” she agreed “though I still like to think we have some free will over our own lives.” If everything she had been through was just part of some predetermined path then she wasn’t sure she liked what fate had in mind for her.

Part of her was tempted to knock his chair, let him fall back, wipe that expression off his face. He was still so controlled, it frustrated her to no end. “Things are obtained a lot easier when you’re already in a place of privilege though” she argued “your family already has access to things most people don’t- it’s easy to build on something that already has strong foundations.” If Regulus thought his family worked hard for things he needed a reality check.

@regulus7​

Regulus hummed at Trelawney’s words, giving a small smile at her but it did not reach his eyes. “The world is rarely kind enough to care about what we would like. But then I suppose we shall never know if we are the puppets to fate or at the whim of free will. Perhaps we should just go with whatever we are comfortable to believe in.” His parents had raised him to be who he was and they had, in turn, been raised by their parents to be who they were. It was a long line and it left less room for free will.

Giving a small chuckle at her words, Regulus shook his head at Trelawney.  “Every single Black has fought to build and preserve my family and its influence. For generations we have proven why we are the crème de la crème of society and I will not let our good name and heritage falter.” Their name would rise and continue through a thousand more generations. He would see it through. “Advantages are hard won and easily lost.” He said more softly.