jegulus ♡

Chapter 2: All wrong

Regulus paced the room, a habit that had become almost second nature. He moved with a restless energy, the rhythmic steps meant to soothe his turbulent mind. Yet, as always, the motion did little to dispel the mounting anxiety within him. It was as if he were treading water in a vast, dark abyss, the weight of Sirius’s departure adding to the oppressive gloom.

The room seemed to close in around him, the shadows growing deeper as the day wore on. The absence of his brother was a constant ache, a cruel reminder of everything that felt wrong and broken. The bitterness of the situation gnawed at him, leaving him with an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction and despair.

A sharp crack echoed through the room, and Kreacher, the house-elf, appeared with his usual bow.

"Master Regulus, your father wishes to speak with you," Kreacher announced, his voice as rigid as ever.

Regulus sighed, trying to mask his irritation. "Oh yes, right… of course. Thank you, Kreacher."

"Are you sure there is nothing Master Regulus would like to eat?" Kreacher asked, a note of concern in his tone.

"I'm sure," Regulus replied curtly.

"As Master Regulus wishes…" Another crack, and Kreacher was gone, leaving Regulus alone with his thoughts.

Reluctantly, Regulus made his way to his father’s study. It was hardly how he had envisioned spending his afternoon, but duty called. As he entered the room, he found his father seated behind a grand mahogany desk, a stern yet somewhat weary expression on his face.

"Ah, Mon Cher, good to see you. I haven’t seen you in some time. How has your Christmas break been?" his father inquired, a hint of genuine interest in his voice.

"It’s been… break-ish," Regulus responded, his tone flat.

"Oh Regulus, you say that every year. Lighten up," his father chided, though his eyes softened slightly.

"Not an easy task in this place," Regulus muttered, glancing around the dimly lit room.

"Yes, well… at least try to smile for me?"

Regulus managed a bitter smile, though it felt more like a grimace.

"So that’s the best I’m getting, Mon Cher?" his father pressed, a hint of disappointment creeping into his voice.

"Oui Papa*," Regulus replied, his smile wavering.

"Your French only comes out when you’re angry," his father observed.

"Non- no, it doesn’t… I use it all the time," Regulus insisted, though his tone lacked conviction.

"Not really. Mon Cher… I hear you when you’re creating potions," his father continued, his gaze sharp.

Regulus tensed at the mention of his potions. "OK, you’ve made your point—"

"And when Sirius ran away. Do tell me, is he thinking of coming back?"

Regulus felt a pang of guilt. He had lied to his father, claiming that he and Sirius were on good terms. It was a skill he had developed out of necessity, one he loathed but had grown accustomed to.

"Oui Papa, he says he misses you. But coming back is off the table… Je m'excuse*," Regulus said, his voice faltering.

"Ce n’est pas un problème*… I miss him too," his father replied softly, his tone carrying a rare note of vulnerability.

"I’m going to finish packing. I have to go tomorrow, so…" Regulus said, his voice trailing off.

"Au revoir, Mon Cher*," his father said, a hint of finality in his voice.

"Au revoir, Papa*," Regulus responded, turning to leave the room.

As he walked away, the weight of the conversation settled heavily on him. The truth was, everything felt wrong. The cold in his heart seemed to seep into every aspect of his life, from his strained relationship with his family to the lingering shadows of his brother’s absence. The future was uncertain, and the path ahead was fraught with challenges. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Regulus knew that he had to face whatever lay ahead with resolve.

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**Key:**
- *Mon Cher* - My dear
- *Je m'excuse* - I apologize
- *Ce n’est pas un problème* - It’s not a problem
- *Au revoir* - Goodbye