regulus black x fem!rosier oc

[ © flowerbedfeilds , 2023 ]

author's note-

guess what, you girl is officially 10 months deep into junior year, soon to become a senior !!

i know, i am so very sorry for ghosting you guys for over a year. school has consumed me completely and i barely get time to socialise, let alone write. however, i will still be writing here (just not as frequent, maybe once or twice a week that's it). if you guys want to read some of my other works, you can check out my blog! (DM me, i won't be sharing the link to my blog here since i recently came to know that a lot of my schoolmates follow me? and i obviously don't want them to find this account for obvious reasons lol) anyways, here is a reg oneshot! i went a little overboard with this, lol . but i hope you like this <3

also, just to let you guys know, requests are open!! I'll mostly do the marauders and the slytherin guys but if you want me to write about someone else, i'll do that for you! you can comment your requests anywhere in this book/my page, i wouldn't mind lol <3

word count: 8719

page count: 12

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Seventh years, the oldest of the students, found ourselves suddenly on the brink of adulthood. There were just a few months between us and the rest of our lives. Salazar, it was a scary time. Most of us had little to no idea about what to do, and suddenly having to make the choice wasn't something any of us were looking forward to.

For the future heirs to respected pureblood families, it was tougher. Getting married to other pureblood families wasn't something unknown in our pureblood society. Almost all our parents faced the same lives, and maybe we had to do it too, a loveless marriage and facades. A lot of my friends were already betrothed, including me. That's what worried me the most; I didn't want to fall into this seemingly endless cycle of pureblood facades. Merlin! I didn't even know who it was yet! What if it's some grumpy man twice my age, and—"June! come on! Do you plan on staying here until the new school year begins?" Andrea asked me, with a hint of amusement in her voice.

My thoughts aligned with reality in less than a minute, "Don't be silly, Andy!" I replied, getting up and following her out of the carriage. As soon as I got out of the train, I met with the sight of Mother waiting for me on the Platform. On either side of her stood our servants, with my luggage and trunk already in their hands.

I hugged Andy goodbye and walked toward my mother. "Good Afternoon Mother,"

"Juniper," she simply nodded. "I've missed you," I replied, partially not meaning it. "Me too," her reply was dry. Although I was still sour from the betrothal, I got over it and tried my best not to create a scene or act out of line.

Mother apparated us to our manor. As soon as my feet touched the cold marble floors of the manor, I was pulled into another warm and welcoming hug, by my grandmother. Mother had mentioned in her letter yesterday that grandmother had come to stay with us, to be by my side during my wedding and all the preparations.

A part of me found this heartwarming, but the other one still ached from the reminder that I was betrothed. I really wasn't sure which part to focus on and which one to ignore. Everybody seemed so happy, all of them planning everything for my perfect day, not bothering to spare a glance at me, not bothering to ask me how I felt, if I wanted this or not. After all, it was my duty to carry on the family line, marry some pureblood bastard, and have his babies.

I was so deeply engulfed in my pity party that I almost missed out on my mother telling me something about my mother-in-law. The keyword: Almost. My attention went to her as soon as these words slipped off her tongue. "Mother, you were saying something? Could you please repeat?" I asked politely, trying my best to hide my impatience.

She sighed before repeating, "Your mother-in-law has written to you," she handed me a dark green envelope. I took it from her hand, flipping it over toward the side where it was sealed. The black seal was placed perfectly over the opening with a star engraved on it.

I opened it, fetching the parchment paper out and reading through the whole thing. My heartbeat stopped at the sign, Walburga C. Black. She had invited our family to the Black Estate for dinner, tonight.

"What? You mean I will be a part of the crazy, dark, twisted, ancient, and most noble house of Black?" I questioned. The news of me getting betrothed hit hard, but getting betrothed in the Black Family hit harder.

"Yes," Mother replied, remaining unfazed by the fact that all blood seemed to drain from my face. "And don't you dare try and mess up; the consequences will be severe," she added before motioning me to follow her to my room.

Part of me wanted to mess up on purpose. Salazar, the last thing I wanted was to actually marry into their family, and by messing up, I stood a chance of stopping it from happening. But I risked slandering my entire family if I did that, and I had been raised to avoid bringing any shame to the family name.

I stood in front of the floor-length mirror, staring at the reflection that it showed. The reflection was supposed to be me, and yet it looked nothing like me. The image reflected was that of a perfect pureblood daughter, the daughter of one of the most affluent and influential pureblood families in the wizarding world. My arms hung loosely at my side, idly fingering the fabric of my gown as the woman standing behind me, my mother, walked around me in a circle. Her eyes scanned over me from head to toe.

Stepping away from me, she scanned her eyes over me once again. She wasn't done yet. Staring, unblinking, at my reflection, I briefly turned to glance over my shoulder as someone knocked on the bedroom door. Mother barely looked up from the stacks of heirlooms on my bed.

"Come in," she called out, and I watched through the reflections as my brother, Evan walked into the room, carrying yet another jewelry box in his hand.

Walking straight over to Mother, he handed her the box and watched her open it. Her eyes scanned across the contents, and she nodded in approval. Without giving Evan another glance, she turned back to assessing the jewelry, her eyes flickering frequently in my direction as if she expected to see some sign of the rebellious me. I remained standing still and noticed Evan walk toward me until he stood behind me. Through the mirror, I watched him tuck his hands into his pocket before he scanned me over. He shook his head. We could both see the internal and external changes that I'd gone through. There was no sign of the real me.

"I am sure you don't plan on ruining our image tonight?" Mother asked when she'd finally decided on the necklace that I would be wearing. She lifted it from the velvet box and walked toward me. Obediently I moved my hair out of the way as she clasped it around my neck.

Walking away from me, she headed back to the bed to bring the matching earrings as I took my time to look carefully at the necklace. It was beautiful; the necklace that had been passed down from generation to generation. An antique collar.

"Of course not," I said quietly as she handed me an earring to put on as she put on the other. When they were on, she stepped away from me to look over me. Her eyes shone with unbridled pride.

She was proud to have done it and broken her daughter down. She'd managed to groom me into the perfect pureblood bride that reflected the upbringing that had been instilled in me. I was the quiet, obedient girl who hid behind my brother, and then when the time came; my husband. I would stand behind the beliefs that were imprinted into my whole being - no matter how much I disagreed with them. She was delighted to have broken her outspoken daughter down into a timid mouse.

"We're going to fix your betrothal to the Black heir," Father said, alerting me to his presence in the room that I had long forgotten about. He stood up from my bed and moved to stand beside my mother as he smiled down at me. Mother and Father began to talk amongst themselves as they walked out of the room, expecting Evan and me to follow after them. Evan, noticing the lack of adults, walked over to me and held out his arm for me to slip my hand into."How are you feeling?" He asked as I set my hand into the crook of his arm. He turned and led me out of the room, watching me closely.

"I feel like today is very important," I said quietly, my voice carrying the appropriate amount of excitement as I looked down at my shoes to make sure that I didn't trip. The instant that I looked down, I could hear my mother's voice in my mind telling me to look up. The effect of her training was instantaneous, I looked up quickly. A pureblood witch walked with her head held high.

Once Evan and I had made it down the stairs and stood in front of Mother, she allowed Father to apparate us away to the Black French Estate. She gave us explicit instructions not to use the floo so as to avoid any soot from getting onto our clothes.

"Do you want to do the honors?" I glanced up at Evan once he'd asked the question."No, thank you." He didn't bother to argue with me as his arm let my hand slide from him. His arm wrapped around my hand as he apparated us away.

Lesson number one; the witch was the one to be weak. Witches were supposed to look weak as if we needed them to do everything for us, only then would we be able to avoid injuring their ego. The old me would have scoffed at that with a remark wondering about the fragility of the male ego. But this me, the 'perfect' me didn't care about such a thing.

We'd apparated into the Manor and were instantly greeted by the sight of the three Blacks. Mother spared a quick glance at me from the corner of her eye, and I moved away from Evan, letting his arm fall back to his side. It didn't matter that Evan was my brother; from now on, I'd have to play to Regulus's ego.

"How are you, dear?" Mrs. Black asked as she approached me and pulled me into a hug. Moving away from me slightly, she kissed both of my cheeks before holding me at arm's length to look over me.

"Good, thank you," I said gently, my smile both polite and fake. She nodded at my answer, her eyes slightly narrowed as she took in the imposter on my lips. Stepping aside from me, she returned to stand in the center of her family; her husband and son on either side of her. She revealed Regulus to my gaze.

To put it simply, Regulus looked like a Greek god. His black curls fell effortlessly on his shoulders, his blue-grey eyes studying me over and over again, all in all, he was devastatingly handsome. And on top of that, his athletic build only added to his gorgeous looks.

He said nothing, just looked at me for a few moments, studying my features until his mother nudged him to greet me. I offered him a polite yet formal smile, which wasn't returned. He simply walked in front of me, gently lifting my right hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Rosier," he kissed my knuckles.

"The pleasure's all mine," I obviously sounded nervous as he gave me a nod and let go of my hand, returning back to his mother. Regulus' father was quick to guide us to the living room."Regulus, dear," Mrs. Black spoke up to break the uncomfortable silence between us, "Why don't you take Juniper to the back garden and show her around?"

"Yes Mother," he replied, getting up from his seat. He extended a hand to me, which I accepted, standing up and following him out.

The five-minute walk down the hall was silent, both of us not knowing what to talk about. Regulus was the first to break the silence, "So, How did you get yourself betrothed to me?" he inquired, partially curious and partially narcissistic.

I scoffed, "You think I wanted all this—" I motioned between us, "—to happen? This betrothal and all? Well, to clear your doubt, my parents arranged it all; in fact, I had no clue who was I betrothed to until this afternoon," Regulus just stood there, looking at me not knowing how to respond to my mini-rant. "We're here," he opened the gates to the garden.

I followed Regulus through the moonlit garden, my footsteps echoing in the quiet night. His arrogance and cold demeanor were palpable, and I couldn't help but feel the distance between us grow with every step. It was becoming increasingly clear that this betrothal was going to be a challenging endeavor.

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as Regulus led the way. I mustered the courage to break it, hoping to find some common ground or at least a glimpse of understanding. "So, how did you end up with me as your betrothed? Were you aware of all this or were you also kept in the dark, like me?" I asked, my voice trying to maintain a semblance of composure.

Regulus looked at me, his gaze icy, and his response was anything but warm. "I knew of it since the beginning. It's not like I had a say in the matter, and frankly, I don't really care about the details. Both of us knew we had to be married to some rich pureblood, just like ourselves one day or the other. Why bother worrying about it as if it would change anything that our families have decided to do? You should be celebrating that it's me who you are to marry and not someone twice or thrice your age" His callous words stung, but they were true.

Regulus simply continued further, "That's how it goes in our world, doesn't it? We do what's expected, no matter how absurd it might be. I am not trying to be narcissistic or rude, I am simply stating what's the truth." I remained silent, not knowing to to respond to that exactly. As we continued our silent walk through the garden, Regulus made no effort to engage in a real conversation. He seemed distant, disinterested, and utterly unwilling to inquire about my thoughts or interests.

We reached a large oak tree with a bench beneath it, and Regulus suggested we sit. His gesture lacked any warmth or courtesy. "Shall we sit? I suppose it's better than standing here all day." I felt a growing sense of frustration, but I decided to push forward. I nodded and took a seat beside him. The conversation continued, but Regulus's responses remained cold and distant, and it was becoming painfully clear that he had no intention of opening up or being pleasant. As the moon's silvery light bathed the garden, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Regulus's icy demeanor and apparent self-absorption had not changed during our evening together. It was a stark reminder that the future we faced was far from the romantic fairy tale I had once envisioned.

I couldn't help but wonder how we would navigate the challenges of this forced betrothal, and the thought weighed heavily on my mind as we sat in the moonlit garden, our connection feeling more distant and strained than ever. But as I observed Regulus more closely, I couldn't shake the feeling that behind his cold exterior, there might be something more, something he was hiding to protect himself or his family's image.

✦

It has been a few months since our first formal meeting with the Blacks and things have been, well, as expected. Number one, The 'man' taking his lady out on dates every few days. Number two, 'the mother-in-law' along with her future daughter-in-law holding balls and galas. Number three is, the exchanging of family heirlooms. Merlin, it was all so staged and planned, performed to both our family's script, everything so monotonous I was afraid sooner or later they would turn me like themselves too.

The dates, the galas, the dinners, the ball dances, the parties, they held no value to me. It would have been much better if we actually did things that were substantial and meaningful.

In the midst of all the extravagance and traditions, I found myself yearning for more authentic moments with Regulus. I couldn't help but wonder if he shared my sentiments or if he was simply following the path set by his family. It wasn't that I despised the idea of dressing up for a grand event or enjoying a night of dancing, but I wanted our time together to be filled with genuine connection and shared experiences.

I longed for moments where we could escape the confines of societal expectations and just be ourselves. Perhaps taking a leisurely walk through the city, exploring hidden bookshops, or finding a quiet spot to stargaze. Those were the kind of moments I found valuable and wished we could have more of.

I often found myself daydreaming about shared adventures beyond the confines of Black family traditions, ones that would allow us to truly get to know each other. There was so much I wanted to learn about Regulus and share with him about myself. Our connection had to be deeper than these flashy displays of wealth and status, and I hoped that we could find a way to nurture it in our own meaningful and authentic way.

As the months went by, the routine of opulent events and family traditions continued. It was during one of these events that I confided in my best friend, Andrea. We sought refuge in her room, far away from the extravagant gala happening downstairs.

"Andy," I sighed, "I just can't take it anymore. It's all so... scripted. I feel like I'm living in a gilded cage."

Andrea nodded sympathetically, "I can't imagine how tough it must be, June. But isn't there anything positive about this situation?"

I couldn't help but think about Regulus. "There could be," I said. "But I want something real, not just appearances."

Andrea's room became a haven for our private conversations. It was a place where I could be honest about my feelings and fears. It was also a place where I could learn about Regulus through more candid conversations, far removed from the scrutiny of family expectations.

One evening, as Andrea and I were chatting in her room, I confessed, "Regulus seems so distant at times. It's as if he's trying to keep up a facade, just like the rest of his family."

Andrea raised an eyebrow. "Have you tried talking to him about it, June?"

I shrugged. "I'm not sure how to. Every time we're together, it's like we're actors following a script, saying the right things but not truly connecting."

Andrea leaned closer. "Well, maybe it's time you both dropped the act and had a real conversation."

It was good advice, and I decided to follow it. The next time I met with Regulus, I took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "Regulus, can we talk for a moment, away from all of this?"

Regulus appeared intrigued, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of something genuine in his gaze. "Of course, Juniper," he replied, leading me to a quieter corner of the garden.

There, beneath the moonlight, we finally let our masks slip. "Regulus," I began, "I don't want our relationship to be just for show. I want us to find moments that are real, where we can be ourselves."

He looked at me, his icy facade melting for a moment. "I've been feeling the same way," he admitted. "It's just that our families have these expectations, and I thought I had to follow them."

I smiled, feeling a connection grow between us. "We can find a way to navigate this together, Regulus. Let's create our own story within the boundaries of tradition."

Regulus nodded, and it was as if a weight had been lifted from both of us. We continued to attend extravagant events and follow the family traditions, but now, we were determined to seek authentic moments together.

In Andrea's room, I later confided in her, "It's a small step, but I think we're making progress, Andy. I hope Regulus and I can truly connect and find happiness in our own way."

Andrea gave me an encouraging smile, "I'm here for you, June, and I'm sure you two will find a way to make your story beautiful and real."

The nights of superficial grandeur began to blend into days of genuine connection, and I held onto the hope that Regulus and I could create a love story that was truly our own.

As Regulus and I navigated the world of appearances and expectations, we discovered moments of authenticity that began to bridge the gap between us. Our secret meetings and whispered conversations grew in frequency, becoming the precious fragments of truth within the facade we wore.

One evening, beneath a canopy of stars, Regulus surprised me with an unexpected question. "Juniper, if you could escape to any place in the world right now, where would it be?"

I pondered for a moment, appreciating the genuine curiosity in his eyes. "I've always dreamt of visiting the libraries of Alexandria, a place where knowledge and history meld into one."

Regulus nodded, his eyes alight with intrigue. "I'd choose the Scottish Highlands," he confessed. "There's a sense of wild freedom there, a world untamed by expectations."

The vulnerability in his words touched my heart. "Regulus, I wish we could have moments like this more often, where we can simply be ourselves."

He gazed at me, the moonlight illuminating his features. "I do too, Juniper. It's in these moments that I feel like I can breathe."

Our connection deepened with each shared secret and every stolen moment of authenticity. We began to see beyond the roles assigned to us and discovered the people we truly were. Regulus, the young man trapped by tradition, yearning for freedom, and me, the woman who longed for genuine connection in a world of appearances.

One evening, while escaping a lavish dinner party, we found ourselves standing by a moonlit pond in the Black Estate gardens. I turned to Regulus, my heart racing. "Regulus, I need to know... do you want this, us, to be real?"

He met my gaze, and his usually cold demeanor softened. "More than anything, Juniper. I'm tired of living in a world of facades. I can open up freely when it's you who is in front of me and Salazar, I need that so badly"

I smiled at him, gently taking his hand in mine. At that moment, our fingers intertwined, and we made a silent pact to discover authenticity together. It was a step towards a future where we could be true to ourselves and escape the confines of our roles. Under the moonlit sky, we began our journey to create a love that transcended tradition, one that was both beautiful and real.

✦

"Juniper," Regulus walked into the room, dressed in an all-black suit. "Are you ready?" he looked at me through the mirror I was sitting in front of. Today was the day, exactly one week before our wedding, we were attending our first Death Eater meeting, together. I was unsure if it was normal to feel this scared and nervous, it was a meeting after all, right? "I am," I stood up and walked towards him. He was considerably taller than me, so I had to crane my neck a little in order to meet his eyes. I know he was scared as well, I could easily make it out, but he tried his best to look as if he were unfazed and unbothered. We both stood there in silence, looking at each other for a few minutes before apparating to the Estate.

"Let's go, shall we?" he asked before putting an arm around my waist, apparating us both to the Black Estate. We walked silently through the halls towards the Guest dining Hall. The Blacks were very extra, there was no doubt but seriously having two different dining rooms for close family and for when guests arrived? This was a little too much.

As he was about to open the door, I stopped, grabbing his arm lightly. He turned towards me, noticing my discomfort. Sure, my family themselves were death eaters but that didn't mean that I was comfortable with that. I bit my lower lip lightly, "Regulus, I am not really ready" I looked at him, unsure of his reaction. "They won't hurt you, I promise" his voice was genuine and soft.

I nodded, as he opened the grand doors disclosing a room full of my worst nightmares. Our parents sitting on either side of the Dark Lord himself. Except for them, there sat Bellatrix Lestrange, Regulus' cousin along with her husband and brother-in-law. Next to the Leastranges sat the Malfoys, Carrows, Averys, Yaxleys, Crabbes, Notts, Goyles, Lees, Snyders, Mulcibers, Travers, Severus Snape and the Rowles.

What did surprise me was Peter Pettigrew, part of the infamous Marauders of Hogwarts, who were on the 'good' side of the war.

Everyone looked at us as if we were fresh meat and they were hungry animals, ready to bite and tear us. Regulus walked through them unfazed sitting on one of the two empty seats reserved for us. I followed him closely behind looking at everyone, never in my life, I had imagined that I would be meeting them in such circumstances, not at least in their Death Eater form.

Everyone was dressed in Black, looking at the Dark Lord waiting for him to say something. "Welcome, Death eaters" he began in his harsh voice, sending chills down my spine. To my surprise, I noticed how Regulus grabbed my hand under the table as soon as the dark lord began to speak. He might have realized what he did since he pulled his hand back slightly, which I placed on mine again, giving his hand a soft squeeze.

He continued speaking about their previous raids, killings, and other things. What bothered me the most was how Regulus would tighten his grip on my hand every now and then, at one point I was convinced after this meeting, I wouldn't be able to feel my hand ever again.

"Regulus, it's alright," I whispered when he gripped my hand tightly again, drawing circles with my thumb on his hand. He looked at me and loosened his grip a little. "Regulus Arcturus Black," the snake-like man's gaze fell directly at Regulus, who had started to bounce his leg up and down. "Yes my lord," Regulus stood up and bowed to the man.

"I am sure you are aware of your Death Eater initiation ceremony," the man grinned showing his brown rotten teeth. With confusion all over his face, he looked at his parents who gave him a stern look. "Yes my Lord, I am aware of it," he replied with a slightly shaky voice. "Good, good. Come here my boy, let's not make everybody wait,"

Regulus obediently (and hesitantly) walked and stood near the dark lord, who was ready with his wand. I couldn't bear the sight, of how Regulus closed his eyes in pain but didn't utter a word. How everybody laughed and celebrated the poor boy being branded as the dark lord's servant. He wanted to scream but all he could do was stand there and do nothing.

As soon as the Dark Lord dismissed everyone, Regulus walked calmly out of the room, without bothering to look at me. I knew he would end up doing something he might regret later so I followed him, ignoring Mrs Black and Mother's calls.

He was nowhere to be found. I spotted one of the family house elves, Kreacher, as Regulus had told me, walking down the hallway. "Kreacher!" I called out, making the elf change his route from wherever he was going to coming in my direction.

"Yes, Future Lady Black?" he responded. "Do you know where I can find Regulus?"

"Not a single clue, mistress. However, the master asked me to inform you that you should go home and not bother looking for him, he will come to you himself once he is done with his work"

"Alright," I dismissed the elf. I knew Regulus must be in his room, locked up and isolating himself from everyone until he grew cold enough to not show his emotions. As much as I wanted to go there and comfort him and talk to him, I knew it wouldn't be the best solution right now. He needed some time to process his emotions before he was ready to talk about them. So I waited until it was morning.

✦

The night had been torturous, my thoughts consumed by our conversation earlier. Unable to bear the restlessness any longer, I decided to apparate to the Black Estate at the break of dawn. I reached Regulus' room, feeling a mixture of anxiety and determination. I knocked on the door gently, hoping for a response.

Silence greeted my first two knocks, making me anxious. I couldn't afford to be caught outside Regulus' room at this hour; the consequences for both our families would be dire. But I couldn't just walk away either. I knocked once more, this time hearing faint footsteps approaching.

The door swung open, and I was quickly pulled inside by Regulus. He closed the door behind us, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "What are you doing here? Our parents would have a fit if they found you outside my room at this hour," he exclaimed.

I hardly paid attention to his words. Instead, I gazed at him, taking in the tear stains on his cheeks, his disheveled curls, the redness in his eyes, and the bruises on his knuckles. Ignoring his questions, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace.

Regulus hesitated for a moment before he returned the hug. I whispered softly, "How are you feeling?" as my fingers ran through his tangled locks. He stood still, enveloped by my arms, his walls finally crumbling."You don't have to keep up the facade around me, Regulus. I promise I won't judge," I assured him.

"It happened so fast, June. I didn't even know I was going to be marked. It hurt so much, and it still does. I'm one of them now, one of the Dark Lord's servants. I don't want to be one of his followers, June," Regulus sobbed silently, his face buried in the crook of my neck.

I comforted him, my heart aching for the torment he was enduring. "It's alright, Regulus. I know you didn't choose this path, and I'll help you find a way out."Regulus managed a weak chuckle. "Don't give me false hope, Amour. I know there may be no way out, but I appreciate your support."I wiped away his tears, offering a faint smile.

"Thank you for coming here, by the way." he sniffed.

"There's no need to thank me, Regulus," I replied, taking his injured hands in mine. I gently traced my thumb over his bloody knuckles, then raised them to my lips and placed a tender kiss on them.

We sat on his bed, and I began treating his wounds. Regulus gazed at me with a mixture of gratitude and affection, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

He broke the silence with a nostalgic memory."Do you remember the day our families made our betrothal official? We were walking in the garden, and I told you that you should be celebrating the fact that you were marrying me."I looked up at him, recalling that day.

"Yes, I remember. What about it?"Regulus shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well, I was wrong. I should be the one celebrating that I'm marrying you, Juniper Maeve Rosier."

I bit my lip to hold back a smile and continued tending to his wounds. "Oh, you flatter me, Regulus Arcturus Black.

"He gently tucked another strand of hair behind my ear, his gaze filled with sincerity. "It's nothing but the truth, Amour."

As I finished treating his wounds, we remained locked in a moment of quiet connection. There was an unspoken understanding between us, a bond that transcended the constraints of our families' expectations and the dark clouds of Regulus' recent experiences. I couldn't help but feel a growing affection for him, a genuine desire to protect and support him.

Regulus ran his thumb lightly over my cheek, his eyes locked onto mine. "You're the only source of light in this dark path I've been forced onto," he admitted, his voice filled with sincerity.

I was deeply touched by his words, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. "And you're not alone in this, Regulus. We'll navigate this together, no matter how challenging it may be."

He nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I truly believe we can find a way to defy our families' expectations and forge our own path, one that doesn't involve darkness and servitude."

I couldn't agree more with him. "Let's make a promise, then. To stand by each other, to find our own way, and to discover love and light amidst all the darkness that surrounds us."

Regulus nodded again, a determined glint in his eyes. "I promise, Juniper, with all my heart."

As we sat in his room, facing an uncertain future, there was a newfound warmth between us. Our connection was no longer constrained by pretense or tradition. We had shared a moment of vulnerability and honesty, and it had brought us closer than ever before. In the midst of the chaos that surrounded us, I felt a growing sense of hope and determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as we faced them together.

✦

The wedding ceremony in itself had passed by in the blink of an eye. I had walked to the front of the aisle and recited vows that had been ingrained in me from the moment I'd returned home from the Black Estate after our first meeting. My heart had pounded in my chest throughout the entire ceremony and I felt like I was going to collapse when the time came to seal the vows with a kiss which had been nothing more than a fleeting pressing of lips. I had been all the more grateful when we were led away for the reception and I was instantly surrounded by my friends. Regulus had listened to their teasing words before relinquishing me to their company.

We all understood, to some extent, that there was always a chance that this would be our fate when we grew up; promised to a man without ever being asked our opinion and being shipped off to join his family. However, I was grateful that my husband wasn't some old crook four times my age with children older than me. The guests continued to come up to me to congratulate me and I smiled back, playing the part of the blushing bride as I looked across the room in search of my husband who had disappeared after leaving me with my friends. I found him on the other side of the room, talking to Evan, Lucius Malfoy, and Theodore Nott with a few other friends.

I noticed Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange walking up to me with warm smiles on their faces. Upon reaching me, Narcissa pulled me into a hug whilst Bellatrix just smirked, "Welcome to the family, Mrs Black" she said. Even though I didn't want to, I faked a smile and 'blushed'.

We talked for a little while, more like them teasing me at any given moment and me faking a smile before they both excused themselves to talk to some other death-eater wives.

The reception carried on, the chatter and laughter of the guests filling the opulent hall. I continued to fulfill my role as the new bride, smiling and nodding as guests approached me, offering their congratulations and best wishes. The day had been a whirlwind of traditions and ceremonies, leaving me with little time to catch my breath or truly process the magnitude of the changes in my life.

I couldn't help but steal occasional glances across the room, where Regulus was engrossed in conversations with his friends. He appeared to be handling the situation with his characteristic poise and grace, although I couldn't help but wonder what was going on behind that composed facade. We were both thrust into this world of pureblood expectations and traditions, and while we were playing our parts, I couldn't shake the feeling that Regulus, too, had his doubts and reservations.

As the evening wore on, I managed to break away from the crowd for a moment of solitude. I retreated to a quiet corner of the room, a respite from the swirling conversations and scrutinizing gazes. The grandeur of the Black Estate's reception hall felt like a gilded cage, and the weight of my new role as a member of the Black family bore down on me.

Regulus eventually joined me, his steps hesitant, his expression softer than usual. "You're doing well," he said, his voice quiet. "I can't thank you enough for enduring all of this with grace."

I met his gaze, realizing that beneath the composed exterior he, too, was grappling with the weight of our situation. "We're in this together, Regulus," I replied, my voice equally hushed. "We'll navigate these challenges as a team."

He nodded a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "I know we're bound by tradition and expectations, but I hope there will be moments where we can truly be ourselves. Moments where we can discover who we are beyond our family names."

I smiled, touched by his sincerity. "I hope for that, too. We'll find those moments, even if we have to steal them from the chaos of our lives."

Regulus reached out and gently took my hand. "Thank you for understanding, Juniper. It means more to me than I can express."

As we stood there, hand in hand, I felt a connection between us that went beyond the confines of our families and society. We were two souls bound by circumstance, but we would face the challenges together and seek those stolen moments of authenticity amidst the chaos that surrounded us.

The reception continued, the night slipping away, and I couldn't predict the future, but I knew that as long as I had Regulus by my side, we would find a way to navigate the complexities of our lives as the newest members of the Black family.

The night eventually came to a close, and Regulus and I retired to our chambers in the Black Estate. It had been a whirlwind of a day, and the weight of our newly formed bond hung in the air. We had played our parts impeccably, from the elaborate ceremony to the extravagant reception, but now, behind closed doors, we were free to let down our masks.

Regulus stood at the window, gazing out at the moonlit grounds of the estate. I joined him, our reflections visible in the glass. The grandeur of the estate, which had felt imposing earlier, now seemed almost surreal.

"It's been quite a day," Regulus finally spoke, his voice tinged with exhaustion.

I nodded, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. "It has. But we made it through, and we did it together."

Regulus turned to me, and his eyes held a warmth that had been missing throughout the day. "Together," he repeated, his voice softer. He reached out and tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, his fingers brushing against my cheek.

I felt a mixture of emotions, a blend of trepidation and hope. We were embarking on this journey as husband and wife, and the path ahead was uncertain. But for the first time, I could see a glimmer of genuine connection in Regulus's eyes, a hint of the person he might be when freed from the constraints of his family's expectations.

Our lips met in a soft, tender kiss, a silent acknowledgment of the bond we now shared. It was a far cry from the formal peck we'd shared during the ceremony. This kiss held promise, a promise of the moments we had hoped to steal from the chaos of our lives.

Regulus pulled me closer, and our embrace deepened. In each other, we found solace, a connection that transcended tradition and duty. Our love may have been born out of circumstance, but in that moment, it felt real, and it held the potential for something more profound than we could have ever imagined.

As we held each other in the moonlit room, we knew that our journey as husband and wife had only just begun. The challenges of our new life as members of the Black family lay ahead, but with each stolen moment, each stolen kiss, we were determined to create a love that was uniquely our own.

I excused myself to change in the bathroom, and we both emerged wearing something more comfortable. Regulus offered some firewhiskey as we settled on our bed. The room was filled with a comfortable silence as we sipped our drinks, contemplating the events of the day. We didn't even realize when the casual sipping turned into drinking unexplainable amounts of the whiskey and soon, we were completely and utterly drunk.

Regulus was the first to break the silence. "So," he began, his tone soft and uncertain.

"So?" I echoed, gazing at him with a curious smile.

"What now?" Regulus inquired, his vulnerability showing through his typically composed facade.

I pondered his question and shrugged. "I don't know what's next, Regulus."

A rare chuckle escaped his lips, and he admitted, "Would you stop repeating what I say and answer my question?"

I smiled at his laughter. "I don't know what's next, Reg," I replied.

Regulus playfully rolled onto his back, the effects of the firewhiskey showing. "What do couples usually do on their wedding night?"

I couldn't help but tease him, "Please, why don't you say you want to have sex with me straight away, Regulus."

He sat up again, a mischievous glint in his eyes, resting against the headboard. "Oh, please, I don't want to have sex with you, at least not for now. Also, not to mention you are terrible at kissing, so I'll pass."

I gasped in mock offense, "I'm sorry, but look who's talking. I'm an excellent kisser," I declared, inching closer to him.

He looked at me skeptically, "I don't think so. Prove it."

"Regulus, we shouldn't. We're drunk, and we'll probably regret this tomorrow morning," I cautioned, my words contradicting my actions as I moved closer to him.

He leaned in closer, his voice low and filled with temptation. "I won't regret it, I promise. But the real question is, will you? Do you want to continue this?"

My response was lost as I pulled him closer by his collar, causing us both to fall back onto the bed.

The night was a blur of passion and desire, two souls entwined in the midst of newfound love and the merging of their fates. As the sun began to rise, we lay intertwined, the echoes of our shared passion filling the room.

✦

I awoke later, feeling Regulus's arm wrapped tightly around me, keeping me close. His head was nestled in the crook of my neck, his breath gentle and rhythmic. We lay there, our naked bodies a testament to the intimacy we had shared, a bond that had grown stronger and more profound.

Regulus stirred as I shifted my position to lie next to him, the sheets covering my bare chest. His eyes fluttered open, and he noticed our lack of clothing and the intimate position in which we had slept. A faint blush crept across his cheeks.

"Morning Belle," he mumbled sleepily, his eyes still half-closed.

"Morning, Regulus," I greeted with a shy smile. I felt equally as bashful, unsure of how to navigate the situation.

Realizing our state of undress, I decided it was time to get dressed. I stood up, taking the sheets with me to cover my modesty. Regulus had modestly covered his eyes, though it was apparent that modesty had been left at the door the previous night.

Breakfast and lunch were quiet affairs, both of us lost in our thoughts. An owl from my mother-in-law had arrived, informing us that they would be joining us for dinner, along with Regulus's cousins and their husbands. It gave me a purpose for the evening, something to focus on to avoid the awkwardness.

✦

At seven sharp, Regulus and I stood together, my arm linked through his, awaiting the arrival of our guests. The green fire signaled their presence, and I straightened my posture, mentally preparing for the evening ahead.

As the green fire dimmed, our guests materialized in our home. My mother-in-law, Mrs. Black, was the first to step through, her air of aristocracy evident as she took in her surroundings with a discerning eye. She was followed by Regulus's cousins, Narcissa and Bellatrix, along with their respective husbands, Lucius Malfoy and Rhodolphus Lestrange. The Black family always had an air of grandeur and sophistication, which often made me feel like a mere outsider despite my new status as Mrs. Black.

We exchanged polite greetings, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of their expectations. These gatherings were never casual affairs; they were a show of status, lineage, and family pride. Regulus guided me through the formalities with the grace that had been instilled in him from birth.

The evening went on with the clinking of fine china, conversations filled with subtle, carefully chosen words, and elegant dining. Regulus's mother, Walburga Black, led the discussions, her words laced with unwavering devotion to the Dark Lord's cause. She expected nothing less than absolute loyalty from her family, and this evening was no exception.

Regulus occasionally caught my eye from across the room, a silent reminder that we were in this together. The weight of our shared secret, the secret he had entrusted to me in the privacy of our room, added an extra layer of tension to the gathering.

Narcissa and Bellatrix seemed to be the more free-spirited members of the family. Their absence from the Death Eater's inner circle had made them black sheep, but their presence still held a sense of rebellion. Narcissa's poise and Bellatrix's confident demeanor were a stark contrast to the rigid decorum that surrounded them. Lucius and Rhodolphus played their roles with practiced ease, though I could sense a glimmer of discomfort in their expressions.

Dinner drew to a close, and I couldn't deny the relief that washed over me as we moved from the formal dining area to the sitting room. The evening had been filled with talk of politics and family duty, and I longed for a moment of respite from the weighty conversations.

I found myself sitting beside Regulus on a luxurious couch, feeling the warmth of his presence as we made small talk with our guests. Our fingers brushed against each other, a hidden connection in the midst of the crowd. Regulus's eyes met mine briefly, a silent reassurance that we would navigate this life together, despite the challenges that lay ahead.

The night wore on, and our guests eventually took their leave. It was an unspoken relief as the green fire once again roared to life, signaling their departure. Alone at last, Regulus and I remained in the sitting room.

I turned to him, my eyes searching his for a shared moment of understanding. "It wasn't as bad as I feared," I admitted.

Regulus nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "We'll have to get used to these gatherings. It's the world we've married into."

I reached for his hand, our fingers intertwining. "But as long as we're together, we can face anything."

Regulus squeezed my hand, his eyes filled with a warmth that was reserved for me alone. In that private moment, the weight of our new life as husband and wife was overshadowed by the strength of our bond. As we faced the challenges of the Black family and the looming presence of the Dark Lord, I knew that with Regulus by my side, I could find moments of solace and happiness in the most unexpected places.

Our journey as husband and wife had only just begun, and while it might be filled with trials and tribulations, I had hope that our love would continue to grow, unique and unbreakable, in the face of adversity.

✦

With our guests gone and the grandeur of the evening behind us, Regulus and I retreated to the more intimate spaces of our home. We wandered through the dimly lit corridors, our steps unhurried, simply enjoying the quiet moments that were reserved for us alone.

As we entered our own private chamber, Regulus turned to me, his eyes filled with a depth of emotion. The formalities of the evening had given way to a more genuine connection between us, one that transcended the confines of family and tradition.

"I'm proud of how you handled the evening," Regulus confessed, his voice soft and earnest.

I smiled, my heart swelling with affection. "And I'm proud of you, too. We make a good team."

The weight of our vows hung in the air, but it was no longer a burden. We were partners, sharing both the joys and responsibilities of our new life together. The darkness of the outside world seemed distant, if only for a moment.

Regulus took my hand, his touch reassuring and gentle. "It's just the beginning, Amour. There will be many more nights like these, and I promise I'll be by your side through all of them."

I leaned in, our lips meeting in a tender kiss, a silent affirmation of our shared commitment. The kiss held a promise of love and solidarity, of facing whatever challenges our future might hold.

Breaking away from the kiss, I looked into Regulus's eyes, my own filled with determination. "I'm ready to face whatever comes our way, as long as we face it together."

He nodded, his forehead resting against mine. "Together," he repeated, his voice a whispered vow.

In that quiet, private moment, our love grew stronger. The bond we shared was forged not only by circumstance but by the choices we made together. Our journey as husband and wife was just beginning, and it held the potential for a love that was uniquely our own, unbreakable, and filled with hope.

As we lay in the quiet embrace of the moonlit room, there was an unspoken understanding that our love story was only beginning. Yet, hidden in the shadow of that promising future, there lingered a haunting reminder of the perilous path Regulus had chosen.

I traced the lines of his face, my fingers gently brushing over the curve of his jaw. The subtle tension in his features hinted at the burden he carried, one that extended far beyond the weight of our marriage. I had seen glimpses of it, the secretive meetings, the whispered conversations, and the growing discontent within him.

Regulus had made a choice that set him on a dangerous course, one with consequences that could not be denied. His darkened eyes, filled with determination, concealed a sacrifice he had already made and the sacrifices he might have to make in the future.

It was a path fraught with danger and uncertainty, and I couldn't help but worry for him. Though we had just begun our journey together, the foreshadowing of what lay ahead cast a long, foreboding shadow over our budding love, reminding me that our time together might be tragically limited.

With a heavy heart, I leaned in to kiss him once more, savoring every moment we had together, knowing that our love would be tested in ways we couldn't yet comprehend. Regulus and I were determined to face the future side by side, but the ominous specter of his eventual fate loomed, a reminder that the path we had chosen was not without peril.

✦

author's note-

...and that's a wrap, folks! the ending sucked, i know but please bear with me. the writing gods seem to be angry at me so it will take me some time to get back into the flow, hope you guys understand <3

also, there is a slight chance that i might write a sequel to this since it seems so all over the place and unfinished.