𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬

Shielding the Heir Black 6

### Part 6: Shielding the Heir Black

Regula adjusted her robes, the green and silver trim of her family crest stitched onto the pocket gleaming under the enchanted lights of the Hogwarts Express. She leaned back against the seat, flipping through a book about magical theory, only half-listening to the chatter of the other students in the compartment. Her brother—well, technically Sirius is her brother and her cousin, but it made no difference to her—were supposed to meet her once they arrived. She’d heard enough stories about Hogwarts to both anticipate and dread the Sorting Ceremony.

When the train finally screeched to a halt at Hogsmeade Station, she gathered her things and stepped off into the chilly air. Amid the sea of black robes and eager faces, she spotted Sirius waving at her, his grin wide and mischievous as always. He was flanked by three boys she didn’t recognize.

“Regula!” Sirius called, bounding up to her and pulling her into a quick hug. “Merlin, it’s good to see you. How was the train ride? Boring, I bet. Anyway, come meet my friends.”

He gestured to the trio standing a few steps behind him. The first was a thin boy with sandy hair and kind eyes; he gave her a shy smile.

“This is Remus Lupin,” Sirius said, clapping the boy on the back. “Quiet but brilliant. Then there’s Peter Pettigrew—you’ll find he’s got a knack for finding snacks anywhere.”

Peter, a round-faced boy, gave her a nervous wave. “Hi,” he said timidly.

Finally, Sirius turned to the last boy, who stood with his hands casually in his pockets and a confident air about him. His glasses reflected the lantern light, but his hazel eyes were sharp and curious as they met hers.

“And this is James Potter,” Sirius added, smirking slightly. “Quidditch fanatic, professional troublemaker, and, apparently, unable to stop staring.”

James flushed slightly but didn’t look away. Instead, he extended a hand toward her. “Nice to meet you, Regula,” he said, his tone warm.

Regula hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. “Likewise,” she said, studying him carefully. Something about the way he looked at her was unsettling, and she couldn’t help but glance at Sirius, who was watching the interaction with an almost knowing look.

“Come on,” Sirius said quickly, pulling her toward the boats for first years. “We’ll catch up after the Sorting.”

---

The Sorting Hat loomed larger than life as Regula approached the stool in the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling twinkled with stars, and hundreds of eyes watched her every step. Taking a deep breath, she sat down and placed the hat on her head.

*Ah, another Black. But not quite like the others,”* the hat mused in her ear. *“Ambitious, clever, and determined. You’ve got Slytherin written all over you. Yes, a fine addition to their house.”*

“Slytherin?” Regula thought. She’d known it was likely, but part of her had wondered if she might follow Sirius into Gryffindor.

*Oh, you’re curious about that, aren’t you? But no, you’ll make your mark in Slytherin, and you’ll do it well. Better embrace it now, my dear.”*

“Slytherin!” the hat declared aloud, and the table clad in green and silver erupted into applause.

Regula handed the hat back to Professor McGonagall and made her way to the Slytherin table, feeling the weight of her family legacy settle on her shoulders. As she sat down, she caught Sirius’s eye across the room. He gave her an exaggerated thumbs-up, grinning as if to say, “You’ll be fine.”

Regula wasn’t so sure.

---

After the feast, she reunited with Sirius and his friends near the Gryffindor common room.

“Slytherin, huh?” Sirius teased, though there was no malice in his tone. “Figured as much. You’ll have to keep an eye on those snakes.”

Regula rolled her eyes. “I’ll be fine. But your friend…James, was it?” She glanced at the bespectacled boy, who was trying very hard to look nonchalant.

Sirius’s grin turned downright devilish. “Yeah, what about him?”

“He’s got that look,” she said, crossing her arms.

“What look?” James asked, feigning ignorance.

“The one Sirius gets when he’s plotting something,” Regula said sharply. “Don’t even think about dragging me into one of your ridiculous schemes.”

James raised his hands in mock surrender. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said, though the twinkle in his eye suggested otherwise.

Regula groaned. This was going to be a long year.