Regulus Arcturus Black was a silent hero. But what really happened all those year ago? What had lead a timid, pure-blood boy to sacrifice his life for the greater good? Was it for a girl or was Regulus at heart a good person? His brother had always...
Elliott Smith - Between The Bar 'Forget all about the pressure of days Do what I say and I'll make you okay And drive them away The images stuck in your head'
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1977
'Are you almost ready?' I asked Marlene, getting impatient from waiting. 'Yes, just some lipstick and we can go.' 'It's not like it's going to last once Black sees you.' Marlene gave me a slight shove. 'Try to have some fun tonight okay, I know parties aren't your thing but if you put in some effort I know you might just enjoy yourself.' I just nodded not wanting to reply. John's words replayed in my mind once again: 'You don't put yourself out there.'.
I was sitting on a couch in the Gryffindor common room sipping on some firewhiskey. After Marlene and I arrived Sirius quickly dragged her to the dance floor. She tried to pull me with her but I luckily managed to escape. Now I was sitting alone on the couch watching Marlene dance her heart out. I didn't mind it was quite nice seeing her so happy, especially after how stressed out she had been the last couple of weeks.
As I was watching Marlene, someone sat next to me. I glanced over seeing Lily Evans. She was a gryffindor in the same year as Marlene, she was head girl so quite well known around the school. 'You're friends with Marlene right?' I just nodded, not really in the mood for small talk. 'I'm Lily', she said while offering her hand. I shook it while saying: 'My name's Eira.'. 'So what year are you in Eira? I don't think I've ever seen you any of my classes, so you're not a 7th year student are you?' 'No, I'm in 6th year, Marlene and I are in Ravenclaw together , that's how we became friends.' 'Oh, that explains a lot.' Lily and I sat there in silence for a couple of minutes before a boy came over to us. 'Sweet Lily, come and dance with me?' 'No James, I'm tired. Go find someone else to dance with.' 'I don't want to dance with someone else, I want to dance with you.' Lily finally gave in and got up to dance with him, but not before turning around and saying: 'See you around Eira.' I smiled at her as a reply.
It was a couple hours later when I was walking the corridors alone. I managed to have a somewhat good time but was starting to get tired and desperately wanted to get to my bed. Even though Marlene promised we would leave together, when I asked her 20 minutes ago she said she still had to give Sirius his birthday present. I knew that could take a while so I left without her.
To avoid Filch's cat and Peeves I had taken a few detours and ended up in an abandoned part of the third floor. After passing a few classrooms I heard a noise. At first I didn't know what it was but then I realized it was someone crying. It sounded like whimpers were coming from the classroom to my left. At first I didn't know what to do, should I leave them to it or try to comfort them. I weighed my options but decided it was best if I just checked if they were okay.
I imagined it was just a first year who was homesick, but when I opened the door I realized the student was way too tall to be a first year. They hadn't noticed someone had entered the room, probably because their back was towards the door while they faced the window. I noticed their shoulders were shaking. As I took in their appearance I realized who it was, Regulus Black.
I thought of turning around and leaving the classroom, Regulus seemed like the last person who would want to be comforted, but I stayed. I realized on a day like today, Regulus must feel the loss of his brother more than ever. Because even if Sirius didn't run away from Regulus, it has become evidently clear to me that whatever relationship they had was gone. And that must hurt Regulus excruciatingly.
I took a few steps towards Regulus and took in a deep breath. I don't know why I did it but I just placed my hand on his shoulder. At first he was startled by the sudden presence of someone else in the room but then he started crying even louder. He placed his face in his hands as if he wanted to hide the stream of tears. After minutes of me standing there with my hand on his shoulder I spoke: 'It's okay to feel like this.' it was more like a whisper and I wondered if Regulus even heard it, but he did. He finally turned to see who the comforting hand on his shoulder belonged to and it was quite evident he was not glad to see me. He jumped up from where he was sitting, causing my hand to fall from his shoulder. He looked me in the eyes, his look was filled with anger, or maybe it was disgust.
Then he stormed out the classroom, leaving me standing there, dumbfounded, confused as to what just had happened.
