In the entrance hall of 12 Grimmauld Place, Regulus had barely found his footing when Walburga hurried forward to greet him.
She wore a dark green robe embroidered all over with the Black Family Crest, and the black diamond Sirius Brooch at her collar glittered in the firelight. A clear curve lifted the corners of her mouth, and even the fine lines at the corners of her eyes had softened considerably.
"My Regulus!" She reached out and gripped her son's arm tightly. "You're finally back. Look at you—you've grown so much taller, and you look very well."
Her gaze swept over Regulus's neat robe and tidy curls before finally landing on the family brooch on his chest. The pride in her eyes was almost overflowing.
"I read every letter from Hogwarts. Slytherin's first seat, top marks in every subject, and you even made those blind fools understand the power of the Blacks. Well done!"
Orion stood beside the fireplace, his face still showing no unnecessary expression, but his eyes were full of gratification as he looked at Regulus.
He stepped forward and raised a hand to pat Regulus on the shoulder, the weight of his palm heavy. "It's good that you're back."
Walburga pulled Regulus toward the living room, chattering nonstop. "Kreacher cleaned your room long ago. I had him leave the vines outside the window alone. You always stared at them when you were little."
She paused briefly, then shifted topics naturally. "What about Sirius? He didn't come back with you?"
The cheerful atmosphere froze instantly. The portraits on the walls exchanged looks, and the Victorian-era female ancestor gave a soft sigh.
Regulus's expression was calm, without the slightest ripple. "He isn't coming back."
"Isn't coming back?" Walburga's voice shot up abruptly. The smile on her face vanished in