Gryffindor Black brothers

Chapter 32

The rest of the summer passed in a blur for Regulus Black. As the days grew shorter and the air crisper, he found himself both anxious and excited about the new school year. The arrival of his letter from Hogwarts was a relief, yet the weight of his OWL results added an unexpected pressure.

On a particularly quiet morning, Regulus sat at the dining table, his mother's voice echoing in his ears as he tore open the envelope. The neatly written parchment inside confirmed what he had feared. He had done well, securing Outstanding in all of his subjects. It should have felt like an achievement, but instead, it settled like a stone in his stomach.

"Regulus, is that good news?" his mother asked, barely glancing up from her cup of tea.

"Yes, Mother," he replied, forcing a smile. "I did well."

"Good. You'll need to maintain that," Her voice held a tone that Regulus knew all too well. It was a reminder that expectations hung over him like a shadow.

With his new responsibilities weighing on him, Regulus found himself at Diagon Alley a few days later. The bustling street was alive with chatter and laughter, a stark contrast to the tension at home. He strolled past the shops, noting the various school supplies he needed for his N.E.W.T. classes: Astronomy, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, and Ancient Runes.

He paused in front of Flourish and Blotts, glancing through the window at the stacks of books that promised knowledge and adventure. Just as he was about to step inside, he caught a glimpse of familiar faces across the street.

"Look who it is!" James called, a wide grin plastered across his face. Sirius, Remus and Peter were at his side, looking equally cheerful.

"Hey guys, how are you?" Regulus asked, attempting to suppress the nervous flutter in his stomach.

James approached first, clapping him on the shoulder. "We're doing great! Just stocking up on supplies. Can't wait for the new year. You ready to take on N.E.W.T.s?"

"Yeah, I suppose," Regulus said, trying to sound more enthusiastic than he felt. "Just trying to get my supplies sorted."

Sirius, ever the charming one, chimed in, "What are you most excited about? Potions? Ancient Runes? Or maybe just hanging out with your favorite brother?" He winked, and Regulus couldn't help but roll his eyes, even though a small smile crept onto his face.

"Honestly? Probably Potions. I'm hoping Slughorn will be less intense this year," Regulus admitted. The thought of spending more time with his brother eased some of the anxiety that had been gripping him.

"Potions? Really?" Remus raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely surprised. "I thought you'd be more into Defense Against the Dark Arts, considering ... what happened this summer."

Regulus hesitated for a moment, the weight of his family's expectations looming over him again. "I just want to focus on what I can control," he finally said, trying to sound casual. "Not everything has to be about that."

Peter, who had been quietly observing, piped up, "You'll do great, Regulus! Just remember, you're more than just a Black. You've got your own talents."

"Thanks, Peter," Regulus replied, grateful for the encouragement. He felt a little lighter knowing that at least some of his peers saw him as more than just a name.

"Let's grab a bite before we go book shopping," James suggested, glancing down the street. "I hear there's a new café that opened nearby."

"I wish I could. I need to keep up apperances outside of Hogwarts. I'll see you guys on the train," Regulus replies 

Regulus waved goodbye to his friends, watching as they laughed and headed toward the café. The warmth of their camaraderie contrasted sharply with the chill settling in his chest. He turned away, feeling a familiar mix of longing and anxiety as he stepped back into the flow of Diagon Alley.

As he made his way to the bookshop, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was caught between two worlds. The joy of friendship felt distant, overshadowed by the obligations and expectations of being a Black. He reached Flourish and Blotts and pushed the door open, the familiar scent of parchment and ink enveloping him like a comforting blanket.

Inside, he wandered through the aisles, running his fingers along the spines of the books. He paused at a title about advanced Potions, the very subject that both fascinated and terrified him. Thoughts of Slughorn's class swirled in his mind. He remembered the way his heart raced each time he stepped into the classroom, the weight of his family's legacy pressing down on him.

Regulus took a deep breath, trying to shake off the cloud of anxiety. He selected a few textbooks, reminding himself that he was more than just a Black; he had his own identity and dreams. Yet, the sense of duty clung to him, a relentless whisper that he couldn't quite silence.

As he headed to the counter, his mind drifted back to his OWL results. Outstanding grades meant more pressure, more expectations, and a constant reminder that he couldn't afford to slip. "You're a Black," his mother's voice echoed in his mind, and he cringed at the weight it carried.

After paying for his books, Regulus stepped outside, the crisp air hitting him like a splash of cold water. He glanced up and down the street, contemplating his next move. Should he seek out his friends again or return home? The thought of facing his mother's sharp gaze and relentless scrutiny made his stomach twist.

Instead, he turned toward a quieter part of Diagon Alley, where a small café sat tucked away, its wooden sign creaking gently in the breeze. He had a sudden urge to find solace in a warm cup of tea, away from the chaos of expectations. Perhaps he could sit and reflect, even if just for a moment.

As he entered the café, the comforting hum of chatter and the aroma of freshly brewed tea enveloped him. He chose a small table by the window, the perfect spot to watch the world go by. Sipping on his tea, he allowed himself a rare moment of peace.

Regulus pondered what the new school year would bring. Would he continue to hide behind the family name, or would he carve out a space for himself? The uncertainty loomed, but the taste of freedom from Hogwarts felt like a distant glimmer of hope.