Gryffindor Black brothers

Chapter 2

After the Sorting Hat's decision to place Regulus in Gryffindor, the Great Hall continued to echo with applause and cheers from the Gryffindor table. Regulus felt a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety as he stood there, his brother's arm wrapped around him. It was a surreal moment, one that defied the expectations and traditions of his family.

Sirius's grin was infectious, and despite the lingering unease, Regulus couldn't help but share in his brother's joy. The two brothers made their way toward the Gryffindor table, and people clapped him on the back, offering their congratulations. James, who had welcomed him earlier, pulled him into another tight hug.

"I told you, Reggie! I knew you'd be with us," James said, his voice filled with genuine happiness.

Regulus returned the hug just as tightly, not caring about the close quarters. He couldn't stop smiling, though beneath that smile was a turbulent sea of conflicting emotions.

"I appreciate it, James," Regulus replied, his voice earnest.

As he settled into a seat between James and Sirius, Regulus couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. While he had found refuge and acceptance in Gryffindor, he knew that his decision had likely disappointed his mother beyond measure. The thought of her reaction weighed heavily on him.

Hours passed as the Sorting Hat continued to place first-year students into their respective houses. Regulus watched with interest, noting that many other young witches and wizards shared his mix of apprehension and excitement. He had hoped that the sense of camaraderie he felt at the Gryffindor table would continue, and for the most part, it did.

As dinner came to an end, Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat and made a few announcements. He spoke about the importance of unity and friendship among the houses and emphasized that, while they were sorted into different houses, they were all part of the same Hogwarts family.

Regulus was genuinely touched by Dumbledore's words, and it solidified his belief that he had made the right choice by defying his family's expectations. He exchanged a proud glance with Sirius, and for the first time in years, he felt a sense of belonging.

With the feast concluded, the Gryffindor prefects led the first-year students on a guided tour of the castle. Regulus marveled at the grandeur of Hogwarts, from the moving staircases to the portraits that seemed to come to life and chat with passersby. He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the magical world that had been hidden from him for so long.

As the tour wound down, Regulus's thoughts once again turned to the impending confrontation with his mother. He couldn't delay it forever. What would she say when she received the news that her youngest son had been sorted into Gryffindor, the house she had warned him against?

The group of first-years was finally led to the entrance of Gryffindor Tower. It was situated in the west wing of the castle, and a password granted access. The current Gryffindor prefect, a fifth-year, shared the secret phrase: "Brave at heart." The Fat Lady, the guardian of the entrance, swung the portrait aside to reveal the entrance to the common room.

Regulus followed his fellow Gryffindors through the entrance, and the sight that greeted him was enchanting. The Gryffindor common room was cosy and warm, with scarlet and gold furnishings and a roaring fire in the hearth. Students were scattered around, talking, studying, or playing wizarding chess. The atmosphere was welcoming, and Regulus felt a sense of relief wash over him.

"Welcome to your new home, Reggie," Sirius said, clapping him on the back. "We're going to have a blast here."

Regulus managed a smile, appreciating his brother's support. He couldn't have asked for a better ally in this unfamiliar territory.

As the evening wore on, Regulus made new acquaintances and tried to learn the names of his fellow Gryffindors. He noticed a group of students gathered around a table playing Exploding Snap and decided to join in. Laughter and camaraderie filled the common room, and for a while, Regulus forgot about his concerns and enjoyed the company of his new housemates.

However, he couldn't ignore the looming confrontation forever. Regulus knew that he had to write to his mother eventually, explaining his decision. He hoped to find the right words, words that would soften the blow of his unexpected choice.

A few days passed, and Regulus settled into the rhythm of life at Hogwarts. He attended his classes, made friends, and even received a small package from Sirius containing some of his favourite snacks from home. It was a touching gesture that reminded him of the unwavering bond between them.

Then, one morning, as Regulus sat in the Gryffindor common room reading a book, an owl swooped down and dropped a crimson envelope onto his lap. His heart sank as he recognized the distinctive handwriting. It was a letter from his mother.

Regulus hesitated for a moment, clutching the letter in his trembling hands. He knew that he had to read it, but he was afraid of what it might contain. Taking a deep breath, he carefully opened the envelope and unfolded the parchment.

The letter was short, but its contents were laced with his mother's fury and disappointment.

Regulus Arcturus Black,

How dare you bring shame upon our family by choosing to join that despicable house, Gryffindor? You have betrayed your heritage, your bloodline, and everything our family stands for. I warned you about the consequences of such a disgraceful decision, and now you will bear the burden of your foolishness.

You are no son of mine. You are not Black.

Prepare yourself, Regulus, for your actions will not go unpunished.

Regulus felt a knot tighten in his chest as he read the harsh words. His mother's anger and disappointment cut deep, but he knew that he couldn't change who he was or the choices he had made. As he crumpled the letter in his hand, he realized that he had made the right decision, no matter the consequences.

He couldn't be the obedient son who followed a path of prejudice and hatred. He wanted to be brave, like the Gryffindors he had come to admire. With newfound determination, he looked around at his fellow Gryffindors, and his new family at Hogwarts, and silently vowed to stand by his choice, no matter what challenges lay ahead.