Gryffindor Black brothers

Chapter 33

The day had finally arrived, and Regulus stood in the dimly lit hallway of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, his heart pounding in anticipation. He glanced at the antique clock, its hands moving slowly, each tick echoing the weight of his thoughts. The summer had passed in a blur of pressure and expectation, but today was the day he would return to Hogwarts.

"Are you ready, Master Regulus?" Kreacher asked, his voice crackling with a mix of concern and eagerness. The house-elf stood beside him, his beady eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight.

"Yes, Kreacher. I'm ready," Regulus replied, attempting to mask his apprehension with a small smile. "Just... let's get this over with."

With a nod, Kreacher took hold of Regulus's arm, and in an instant, they disappeared with a loud crack, reappearing on Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station. The familiar sounds of chatter and the hissing steam of the Hogwarts Express greeted him, an atmosphere charged with excitement and nostalgia.

Regulus took a moment to steady himself, adjusting to the chaos of students and families milling about. He felt a pang of longing as he watched young witches and wizards hug their parents goodbye, the warmth of familial love contrasting sharply with his own experience.

"Go on, Master Regulus. You should join your friends," Kreacher urged, his voice a gentle push toward the lively scene before them.

"Thanks, Kreacher," Regulus said, giving the house-elf a grateful nod before making his way through the crowd.

As he approached the barrier between platforms, he spotted the Hogwarts Express in the distance, its bright red paint gleaming in the afternoon sun. He felt a familiar thrill rush through him at the sight of the train. Despite the anxiety that had plagued him all summer, Hogwarts always felt like a refuge, a place where he could momentarily escape the heavy expectations of his family.

"Regulus!" A familiar voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see Sirius, flanked by James, Remus, and Peter, rushing toward him with wide grins.

"Hey!" Regulus exclaimed, feeling a wave of relief wash over him as they approached. The camaraderie and mischief in their expressions lifted his spirits, if only slightly. "Did you guys miss me?"

"Of course! It was dreadfully boring without your brooding presence," James replied, feigning a dramatic sigh as he clapped Regulus on the shoulder. "You've got to tell us everything!"

"Yeah! How was your summer? Did you manage to escape the clutches of our lovely family?" Sirius added, his trademark grin making Regulus's heart flutter with a mix of affection and frustration.

Regulus forced a smile, trying to shake off the tension that had settled in his chest. "It was fine, I suppose. Just the usual."

"Just the usual?" Remus raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "You know we want the details."

Regulus shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of his mother's scrutiny settle on his shoulders. "You know how it is. Just more pressure about my grades. She's still on about my OWLs, wanting me to maintain my results."

Sirius's expression turned serious for a moment. "You don't have to let them dictate your life, Reg. You're your own person."

"I know, I know," Regulus replied, forcing the words out. "But it's hard to ignore them."

James clapped his hands together, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, let's get on the train before we all start feeling too serious. I'm starving, and I heard there are new snacks on the trolley!"

As they boarded the train, Regulus felt a rush of warmth at being with his friends again. The interior of the Hogwarts Express was filled with laughter and excitement, the scent of food mingling with the warm, nostalgic smell of the train.