Better Off (Regulus x Lily)

Chapter 1

Regulus wished that the cutlery was louder. Loud enough to overpower the intimidating silence, which had rung in his ears ever since this dreadful dinner had started. 'Dreadful dinners' were a tradition in the Black household and during the holidays, when Regulus was there, it was only right to invite all of his awful relatives as well. Needless to say, he tried to excuse himself from attendance, but bringing up the topic resulted in the usual yelling, which he tried his best to avoid.

"So, Regulus. How are your studies going?"

A very good question, Regulus almost smiled to himself. At least it would've been if he hadn't heard it at least a hundred times since he came back from school.

"Good. Everything's fine. I'm going to be a Prefect again this year" he said. He expected the aunt he didn't recognize to pick up her fork and continue ignoring him, but somehow she still kept her attention on him.

"And it will be your... what? Seventh year?" she asks.

"Yes, that's correct."

It was a neutral answer, at least that's what he was hoping. The old uncle Alphard was eyeing him from the other side of the table. Regulus found himself having a hard time trying not to flinch. Alphard had never liked him very much, but then the feeling was clearly mutual.

"Any wife-worthy candidates?"

To be fair, this one was new. He hadn't heard it this summer yet, but he knew he had it coming. In the end, the topic was always brought up. Regulus could be sure that if he continued to answer the same way he had been for the previous years, the family would soon take matters into their own hands.

"Not really," he answered, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm focusing on studying this year."

All of the guests were surprisingly satisfied with this answer - each and every one of them, except the old Alphard who seemed to become even more suspicious.

Regulus suddenly started wondering whether it might be possible for the old man to have some sort of mind-reading ability.

"Really?" The man leaned over the table. "You seem like a fine young man. There isn't anyone who has caught your eye?"

Regulus had to try his best not to sigh. Obviously, there was someone. An absolutely, completely unusual someone. But he couldn't mention her if he wanted to continue living under his parents' roof. And even more, it would be incredibly risky for her as well. For a brief second, Regulus imagined bringing up her name and the utter chaos that would surely ensue.

"No. No one worth mentioning."

Uncle Alphard didn't seem satisfied, but he stopped the interrogation and let the dinner continue in depressing silence, which might've been solemn, but, as Regulus concluded, was way better than screaming and unforgivable curses flying in every direction.

***

Despite the clear indifference his relatives shared regarding his being a prefect, Regulus was quite proud of himself. He wore his badge with pride, happy that it was him for the third time. Since the fifth year, when he learned of the honour awaiting him when the school year began, he had continuously enjoyed the duties.

On the 1st of September, he came to Platform ¾ alone. It wasn't novel by no means, he has done that since at least fourth year. He always liked to come with a comfortable margin of time before the train was set to leave, to avoid the noise and chaos that began a few minutes before the departure.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his Slytherin housemates. Somewhere in the other direction, there were also Gryffindor's seventh years, the group still not complete. They still had some time left to gather. He looked around, but he didn't see Sirius. Thankfully, due to his height, he had quite a clear view of the whole platform. Among the Gryffindor guys, the girl was still missing, but upon looking around, Regulus caught sight of her together with her mother, near the entrance.