Sunday, August 5th, 1973.
Ever since that family gathering, the thing Regulus had been looking forward to the most was Uncle Alphard returning from Sweden to show him his alchemy lab.
From Sirius's descriptions, Alphard was absolutely a big shot when it came to magical items. The only catch was—Alphard did all of it purely for fun, as a hobby, with zero interest in actual application or promotion…
Basically, not for money—because, frankly, no one was richer than him anyway. Shrugs.
It wasn't until Kreacher placed a birthday card and a brand-new formal robe for the wedding on his bedside table that Regulus realized—his birthday had arrived.
And it just so happened to fall on the same day as Narcissa and Lucius's wedding.
"Good thing my birthday's during the school year. This is a visual assault," Sirius said with some sympathy, watching Regulus walk through hallways and a dining room drenched in green and silver decorations, dressed in a black robe trimmed with silver-green stripes.
Sirius was also wearing a new formal black robe, his hair falling in elegant waves—already a perfect ten in looks despite his age. Of course, he hadn't wanted to attend the wedding, but Regulus had coaxed him into it.
"Thanks," Regulus yawned as he stepped into the living room, which looked like it had been bombarded by Slytherin-themed decor. House-elf Kreacher had already arranged all the birthday gifts neatly on the coffee table.
"Kreacher wishes Master Regulus a birthday filled with sunshine and happiness! Happy birthday to you!" Kreacher said with an exaggerated bow.
"Alright, Kreacher," Regulus said, nodding in thanks. He always expressed gratitude through actions rather than saying "thank you" directly—he couldn't help it, Kreacher tended to get overwhelmed otherwise.
Regulus sank into the cozy sofa and began unwrapping the mountain of parcels stacked in front of him.
Relatives from near and far, classmates from school… quite a few people had sent cards or small gifts.
Especially his Slytherin housemates—even two second-year girls he'd barely spoken to had mailed him birthday cards.
It took him a few seconds to match their names to their faces.
Remus had sent a study guide he'd compiled himself for second-year exams—comprehensive notes along with actual past exam questions from every subject.
Little Lupin—always so thoughtful.
James had sent a copy of The Wonder of Quidditch Balls, which reminded Regulus that technically, he was a Seeker.
Severus's gift was a small bottle of beauty potion enhanced with some kind of booster—one of their in-progress test products. In his note, Severus said he'd tried it on his mum, and the results were good.
Already tested on a person—Snape's "Snape" must stand for "sound and reliable."
His father sent a brand-new model broomstick, the Nimbus 1001.
Sirius gave him a small portable radio. It didn't look particularly unusual.
"Not bad, Sirius, thanks. Though last year you gave me a quill," Regulus muttered. "This is a big improvement—looks like you actually care about your little brother now."
"You can't talk—you gave me a Slytherin House badge last year. I've no idea what was going through your head…" Sirius shrugged.
Pfft!
"Ehm.. Fair enough, neither of us has any room to talk. We're equally bad at this," Regulus said, setting the radio aside and reaching for the next gift—
"That's not an ordinary radio," Sirius said. "I had Uncle Alphard make a few upgrades. It's got a bunch of features."
"Don't be mysterious—have some sympathy for the birthday boy?"
"Just keep it with you. You'll find out soon enough," Sirius said, his lips curling into a smile that was elegant with a hint of mischief.
Even Regulus, who was already used to his brother's good looks, had to admit—it was unfairly handsome.
Ugh—! Ok, I admit that we both are handsome, but why does he look sunny while I look like a dangerous dark lord in the making!?
"Hah.. forget it," Regulus slipped the radio into his pocket, feeling quite looking forward to the day ahead—
After all, this was the wedding of the Blacks and the Malfoys—two of the richest pure-blood wizarding families.
…
Walburga had gone all out for the occasion—she wore a small domed hat decorated with green ostrich feathers, her hair tightly coiled and adorned with dangling pearls.
The ensemble highlighted her long neck with great elegance.
Her black robes were cut to fit her figure perfectly, and two glittering diamonds shone at her collar—the star necklace gifted by her sons.
Though a bit old-fashioned for Regulus's taste, it was undeniably at the cutting edge of fashion for adult wizards of the 1970s generation. And he had to admit that his mother was very, very hot—Pretty.
Their father, Orion, wore a matching set of formal robes in the same color palette, with an embroidered cravat pinned with a prominent, coordinating brooch.
On his hands were the family crest signet ring, a large emerald ring, and a wedding band. Wearing so many rings wasn't a show of aristocratic status for him—it was just something he did naturally.
"Let's go," Walburga said haughtily.
The whole family Apparated to Malfoy Manor, located in Wiltshire, England.
Behind them stood an ornate wrought-iron gate; before them stretched a lavish garden that looked like a miniature Versailles. Between carefully trimmed hedges and exotic, gorgeous flowers was a massive white-frothing fountain.
It was likely enchanted, as a fine mist surrounded it, creating a dreamlike, fairy-tale atmosphere.
Several white peacocks adorned with golden ribbons were strolling leisurely around.
And behind the fountain stood a grand Baroque-style mansion—classic architecture, broad windows, soaring ceilings, elaborately decorated walls—
Extravagance incarnate.
Tsk tsk, no wonder French wizards always have their noses in the air. When it comes to aesthetics, the British ones can only follow in their wake.
A house-elf came over to guide them into the mansion, directing them to suitable seats inside the grand ceremonial hall where the wedding would be held.
Inside the manor, the extravagance rivaled that of a French royal palace: the entrance hall alone was nearly as large as the entire ground floor of their own house.
Pink and white marble, gilded mirrors, over-the-top crystal chandeliers, Turkish rugs—and now, the place was filled with fresh flowers, fruits, and champagne, all radiating a light, delightful fragrance.
Witches and wizards came and went, all dressed impeccably, their robes adorned with gemstones of every color that glittered under the lights.
They exchanged pleasantries, joked, chatted about daily life.
Regulus alone recognized several figures who often appeared in The Daily Prophet—including future Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, who was mingling with those closely connected to Lucius.
A wizarding band played cheerful music in the corner of the hall, and Regulus swore he heard the melody of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro—
In the name of art, no one could stop Muggle music from making its way into a pure-blood wedding.
"This perfume smell is way too strong, I feel like casting a Bubble-Head Charm on myself," Sirius muttered to Regulus, who nodded in full agreement.
Far too many witches wanted to give little Sirius a hug, and Sirius was clearly not thrilled about the attention from all the enthusiastic aunts.
There were also so many distant and close relatives in attendance that they couldn't recognize them all.
The Lestranges, Notts, Rosier family, Dolohov… a full gathering of prominent future Death Eaters.
Tsk tsk.
…
Inside the ceremonial hall, the four of them were seated in a very prominent spot near the front. Lucius stood waiting at the altar, beaming.
Amid the murmurs of conversation, Cygnus Black—Walburga's youngest brother—appeared at the entrance of the hall, escorting Narcissa.
The stunning bride-to-be, Narcissa, walked in wearing her favorite silver gown and an incredibly dazzling tiara, radiating ethereal elegance as she approached.
And the look of pure bliss in Lucius's eyes was thicker than the mist around the front fountain.
"Today we gather to celebrate the union of two faithful souls…" announced the wedding officiant, a senior official from the Ministry of Magic.
"Lucius Malfoy, do you take Narcissa…
...
Walburga dabbed at the corners of her eyes, while Narcissa's parents were already quietly weeping.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife!"
Winged house-elves suddenly flew out from who-knows-where, scattering sparkling—highly questionable—glowing powder over the guests.
Long banquet tables were piled high with exquisite food and drinks. The chairs in the hall vanished, transforming into a dance floor, and the band began playing even more energetically…
While their parents went to congratulate the newlyweds, Regulus tugged Sirius into the drawing room, taking the chance to scope out the layout of Malfoy Manor.
After all, this would be the future headquarters of the Death Eaters.
"My Lord…!" an excited cry rang out from the drawing room—it was Cousin Bellatrix's voice, and anyone who didn't know better would've thought she was fangirling over a celebrity.
Riddle's here?!
Well, considering all the Death Eaters were basically holding a meeting here, it wouldn't be surprising for the boss to show up.
Hearing Bellatrix's voice, Sirius frowned. The two of them turned back toward the wedding hall—only to bump straight into Narcissa and Lucius in the corridor, who definitely should have still been in there.
"Ah, perfect, Reg—come with me, I want to introduce you to a very distinguished guest," Narcissa said brightly. The couple completely ignored Sirius.
Sirius: …I'm used to it.
After not even half a second of deliberation, Regulus shot Sirius a quick look that said, Don't worry, I'll be right back.
________
Damn.. Reg's gonna meet Voldy..?—Find out in the next ep of Dragon Ball—!
Add this to your library~~!