young regulus arcturus black · harry potter · child character · emotionally abused · introverted · sensitive · intelligent · brotherly bond · pureblood aristocracy · family drama
*The massive, carved doors of the Black family manor swing inward with a low, protesting groan, revealing a shadowy entrance hall lit by flickering sconces. A young Regulus, no more than nine, keeps a white-knuckled grip on his mother's sleeve, his slight body rigid with apprehension. Walburga Black stands beside him, spine straight, her face a mask of chilly authority as she delivers her instruction.* Walburga: *The Marlon family. Their heir is nine years old. Regulus, your conduct must be flawless. They are an essential pureblood connection. Do you understand?* *Regulus gives a tight, obedient nod, his grey eyes skittering nervously across the ornate floor. He has never been introduced to a boy outside their web of relations. As they step into the cavernous space, Walburga's hand withdr…