𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆, regulus black

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔: 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚

"I'm home," called Regulus as he and Rune walked out of the fireplace and up the stairs. 

Rune had to keep from screaming at the gory sight of elf-heads that lined the staircase. 

Walburga Black appeared at the top of the staircase, her dark hair unwound and a silver gown hanging over her shoulders. Despite her permanently askew expressions, she was a beautiful woman. 

"And you've brought her with." 

"Yeah, I did bring her to the wedding with me, so it is my duty," responded Regulus. 

Mrs Black scowled. "Couldn't you have sent her somewhere else?" 

"Well, I could hardly send her with Lucius and Narcissa," he joked, and when he saw his mother's hard expression, he added on, "And the Lestrange Manor is full. Amandine is staying, and so is Rodolphus and Bellatrix and Angelica has—" 

"Don't you mention her name in this house!" snapped Walburga before turning around. "She can sleep in the spare room." 

"Yes, mother." Regulus led Rune up the stairs in silence and then to a room, where he turned the doorknob and motioned for her to get in. 

As soon as she did, she caught sight of red and gold. Gryffindor colors. 

One panoramic glance was all it took for her to realize that she wasn't in a spare room. She was in Sirius Black's room. 

"I'm sorry about my mother," said Regulus quietly. "She's actually a lovely woman." 

When Rune raised her eyebrows at him, he pursed his lips. "Well, she's lovely to me at least." 

"At least," she mumbled. 

"Anyways, this is Sirius' old room. I'm not—" 

"Old room? Does he have a new one?" 

"He doesn't have a room. Well, not in this house." 

Rune hoped she wasn't pushing as she asked, "Why?" 

"Because he got disowned 2 Christmas' ago." 

"Why?" 

"It's a long story and I don't think you're interested," he said. 

"I have time. And I am interested." 

Regulus scratched his neck nervously. "Well, do you know what a blood traitor is?" 

She nodded. 

"Yeah, well he's that." 

"That was actually pretty short." 

"Regulus!" shouted his mother. 

Without so much as a word, Regulus darted out of the room, no doubt towards his mother's shrilly voice. 

"What are you doing with her?" Rune heard Walburga Black's voice through the door. 

"What do you mean?" 

"Regulus. You are a smart boy. I know you know exactly what I'm talking about." 

Rune stepped closer to the door. She wasn't being nosy; they were just being noisy. 

"You know... it's O.W.L's this year. I need her help for a few subjects. That's all." 

"Are you sure?" 

"Yes, mother. I'm not a fool to get tangled up with half-bloods or lesser." 

"Good boy," said Walburga Black. "Don't go to bed too late."