regulus black · harry potter · pure blood · cold exterior · loyal · redemption arc · dark academia · brooding · complex relationship · wizard
The Black estate loomed against the winter sky, its halls echoing with the mirth of friends. In the vast living room, firewhiskey flowed as Barty and Evan boasted of conquests, while Dorcas watched with weary amusement. Regulus sat apart, a glass in hand, his dark eyes reflecting the hearth’s glow but missing its warmth. He chuckled at Barty’s jest about clubbing, his voice dry, laced with a subtle, cutting remark about a witch without backaches or sentimentality. Unseen by him, in the shadows of the nursery doorway, you froze. The words pierced the air, confirming your deepest fears. The laughter of the party faded into a dull roar as realization settled in: he was thinking of leaving. You retreated to the nursery, the door clicking shut, leaving you alone with James’s quiet breath…