Nighttime Patrols (Regulus)

[Deleted]

There was always a duty to be performed and Remus was not one for shirking what role he had been given. Even if it did mean patrolling the corridors of the school during the late hours of the night. This night, Remus would be working with Regulus Black and Remus was moving with haste towards the area that they were meant to be patrolling. This night he had kept close attention to the time and had left early to ensure that he was not going to be late with meeting up with the Slytherin and thanks to his participation in creating the Marauders Map, he already knew the fastest ways to get around Hogwarts. It was a useful thing to be able to get to places through some of the secret cuts - it left more time for other occupations whether it was studying or hanging out with the Marauders or simply making sure that he was not going to be late for class or an appointment.

Hurrying along, Remus glanced out of one of the windows, looking up at the dark night sky and the growing moon. It was only three days until the full moon and Remus was aware that it was taking a physical toll on his body which seemed to pale and leave him in a more diminished state of health. Fortunately, though, he was still able to continue his duties and attend lessons with little problem. Hurrying across a flight of stairs, Remus arrived on the second floor and paused, the lighting was no longer as bright due to smaller and less frequent windows and he took out his wand.
"Lumos," He muttered and light sparked into life, giving the seventh year better visibility. There was no point to struggling about in the dark. Moving forwards, Remus came to the place where he was meant to meet up with Regulus, arriving early by a few minutes.

Resting now, Remus stood against the wall and looked ahead of him, keeping silent as he listened for the signs of any tell-tale footsteps. This area was not the best lit either and Remus preferred to stand in the light emitted from his wand rather than the small amounts of outside light that streamed in through the windows. Strange as it may seem, Remus did enjoy the nighttime patrols of the corridors; it was a change of people and scenery which was something that everyone should be welcome to and it gave him a sense of satisfaction to know that he was helping the teachers in their duty and hopefully adding to the security of the school.

[Deleted]

Regulus abhorred lateness, lateness equalled unease and unease led to awkwardness and worst of all to those moments of mutual embarrassment when you were both forced to pretend that nobody minded the unfortunate lapse in time keeping. He hated when people he was meeting was late, the uncertainty, would they be coming or had you been forgotten or worse your engagement deemed unimportant enough to merit a no-show without even an owl for explanation; there was also the additional discomfort of knowing that everyone who past you was bound to spot you were waiting for someone and know that either you were early and thus embarrassing keen or that your partner was late and thus you were unimportant and if they could see your unease well, then they’d also know that you were undoubtable a loser. Thus Regulus was seldom ever late and tried his hardness, despite an occasional painful over eagerness, not to be early either, the dot was clearly the time to be on.

Now wending his way along the quiet corridors that separated his mellow lakeside common room in the dungeons from the dark corners of the second floor where he was to be meeting his companion for the night, Remus Lupin. Hurrying along wand lit and aloft to both illuminate his progress and hopefully signal to any staff he should pass his business was legitimate, he pondered the boy he would soon join for his patrol. Lupin, he was always in two minds about that shabby slender boy, on one hand he was one of the scheming blood traitors who had conspired to steal his brother and bring shame to the Black household on the other he had always treated Regulus pleasantly enough and he had manners and manners maketh the man. Having spent the previous year sharing prefect duties with him Regulus had decided despite some considerable bitter feelings towards the Gryffindor to match him in politeness and had somewhat reluctantly found him an agreeable companion. 

Spotting another bright dot of wandlight ahead Regulus slowed his trot to a sedate walk checking his elegant silver watch, one minute to go, he slowed to a saunter and checked his reflection in one of the small lead rimmed windows. Appearances were important even if he suspected his companion’s appearance would take little to top, always so shabby it was sad a waste of an otherwise pretty face. Striding out for the last stretch of corridor he joined his fellow prefect with a brief nod and a quiet ”Evening” he could never bring himself to be very friendly, it was difficult to feel warmth towards one who also aroused such bitterness. 

Lowering his wand so not to dazzle his companion his cast a sharp eye over his countenance. ”You’re ill again.” It was a statement not a question. ”You can leave the patrol to me tonight I’m happy enough on my own. The statement was brusque but not without concern, Regulus hated to see others suffer almost as much as he hated the sensation itself. On the other hand Remus was often ill and Regulus suspected the root cause might not be purely the stress of study. That is assuming of course you haven't made yourself ill being up at all hours making mischief with your pals?”This time it was a question, tinged with too many things. It was a question that was as close as Regulus would come to asking after his brother, a question that expressed as much disapproval of Remus’ sometimes poor rule abidance and as near as Reg could go to admitting his bitter jealously of the marauders obvious bound.

[Deleted]

The approach of the sixth year did not go unnoticed by Remus; he had heard the footsteps and he had seen the approaching light that came from the student's wand. Seeing as the time for their meeting was fast approaching, Remus could be fairly certain that this was indeed Regulus. Looking towards the boy, he noticed that the movement stopped by a window but Remus was patient and simply waited for Regulus to finish whatever he felt like he had need to do. It was still early and they did have time. After all, their duty was to patrol the corridors and even just standing here allowed some of the duty to be carried out. Looking away from the Slytherin, Remus allowed his gaze to wonder along the area within his sight, making sure that there were no unauthorised students out after dark.

It was only when Regulus had strode over to him and offered a greeting that the Gryffindor student turned his attention back to the other now that it seemed that he was ready.
"Evening Regulus," Remus said politely, offering the other student a smile as they greeted each other. Remus always tried his best to be polite to others, no matter what house they were in and he was also aware that Regulus was Sirius' brother. Despite the fact that it seemed that the two siblings did have their problems, Remus did take extra care to be kind to the teenager - not that Regulus wouldn't warrant it if he wasn't related to Sirius, but Remus felt it was only right to be mindful that this was his friend's younger brother.

At Regulus' comment about his health, Remus smile almost fell but he managed to keep it and merely replied with a small shrug and some words.
"I'll be fine. It's nothing really, certainly not anything bad enough to warrant me missing my duties," He replied, sounding more cheerful than he should considering the topic was his ill health.
"And I can assure you that I haven't been staying up late to plan anything of the sort. What with exams coming up, I believe it is best if we all try to get some study rather than allowing distractions." He replied briskly, Remus understood people quiet well and he suspected that Regulus' question may well be asking after his brother and Remus was certainly aware that Regulus disagreed with the lack of rule abiding that the Marauders held.

Turning his gaze to the corridors, Remus gave the area a customary glance. All seemed fine within his line of sight.
"Shall we start?" Remus asked, returning his gaze to Regulus. Remus was in no hurry to start and would be fine if Regulus wanted to wait around a bit longer but he was also prepared to get on the move. He also figured it would be a wise move if he suggested that they start the patrol, just to clear any doubts that may exist in Regulus' minds that he might not be well enough for this work.

[Deleted]

Remus always seemed so polite, in fact in Regulus’ opinion they matched each other well in the nodding, bowing, door opening stakes of courtesy. Yes, tonight if his companion lasted the night would be passed in polite pleasantries, he would do his best to keep past bitterness at bay. He received the boy’s greeting with what could almost count as a smile, his lips certainly gave some sort of twitch and he hoped it wasn’t of the ugly twisting kind, he tried not to sneer, sneering did nothing for a face and sometimes he worried his face needed all the help it could get.

It had oft been commented that he could be too intense and it was with this slightly over intensity that he scrutinised his sickly companion and the same intensity that allowed him to note the way he drooped as he enquired over his health. Still Regulus accepted the other boys shrug and reassurance, he didn’t believe in his companions cheer but Reg had a healthy respect for the necessity and ease of lies, even to one’s self. “If you’re sure then, personally I think an early night devoid of ‘study’ might do you good but – your choice.” He wasn’t entirely sure why he felt in necessary to stress his sceptism of what Remus did in his free time, maybe he was just bitter but despite Remus’ reassurance he couldn’t resist to put a sarcastic stress on the word study.

On the other hand he admired his companions commitment to his duty, commitment was important and Regulus had always felt it was a trait somewhat lacking in the average brash and heedless Gryff, he felt he should probably be friendlier to Remus, it was difficult anything connected to Sirius was somehow difficult, it got him tangled. When the older boy took the lead and suggested they start it brought him out of his awkward stewing. “Yes we’d better get going, squawk if you feel worse and we can take our round via the hospital wing, I wouldn’t want anyone thinking I’d cursed you.” It was true that having a Gryffindor collapse in his company wouldn’t be ideal for Gryffindor Slytherin personal relations.

[Deleted]

Greeting Regulus, Remus noticed the small smile that appeared on the younger student's face. It didn't appear to be a full smile but Remus understood it and gave the Slytherin a full smile in response before he became more serious. They did have work to do this evening and it was important. After all, it would not do to let any students wonder about after curfew, Remus thought ironically. After all, the Marauders weren't known for following rules such as the curfew so he couldn't really comment. Still, Remus did prefer to follow the rules and they were in place to keep the students safe and Remus did not intend to neglect his duties. Even if he didn't seem to be looking too well because of the upcoming moon, he would finish the patrol - he felt fine.

Appearing cheerful as ever as Regulus replied to his comment about being well, Remus gave a nod.
"I'll bare that in mind. An early night or two would be a good idea but I'm sure there'll be plenty of opportunities for rest after the end of the NEWTs." Remus said, choosing his words because they were (partly) true and should hopefully convince Regulus that it was indeed studying and not making mischief with his friends.
How have you been finding your subjects? After all, you'll be sitting the exams in a year's time." Remus questioned the younger student. It was probably a good idea to move away from the topic of his ill-health.

Giving a nod as Regulus' idea, Remus already knew that he wouldn't need to go by the hospital wing but it was better to agree and to put Regulus' mind at ease than to simply argue and say that he was fine.
"Will do," He said, sounding cheerful."And if anyone did think that you had cursed me, I'd be sure to correct them. People shouldn't jump to conclusions." He said the last bit with a slight sigh. Remus did not agree with the preconceptions that people generally had of other houses and he knew that between Gryffindor and Slytherin there often seemed to be a strong rivalry. Starting off on the patrol, Remus took a few steps forwards, casting a glance back to make sure that Regulus was following.
"How have things been for you since the last time we spoke?

[Deleted]

Deciding it was pointless to cast any more aspersions on what Remus might get up to make him so over tired, maybe it was just NEWTS, nastily exhausting was in the name. He fingered his school robes as Remus enquired into his own schooling, how was he finding it? Honesty he didn’t know, he did alright but he didn’t really feel great about any of them but he wasn’t going to tell Lupin that. ”They’re alright, I’ve finally been able to drop herbology which is nice and at least the rest of the lessons are more interesting now, to be honest I’m more worried about quidditch at the moment.”

He supposed it was nice that Remus was keen to reassure him that if he squeeked on patrol that he wouldn’t let Regulus’ or the Slytherins go to blame unfairly. Well that’s one less thing to worry about, so how’re the NEWTS going for you, any recommendations, what’re sitting?
He wasn’t sure if he was interested or not, in truth he’d rather know what Sirius was taking as if his parents still received his brothers result he felt confident they’d be keen to push him to achieve higher results than him a feat he wasn’t sure he was capable of.

Keen to get moving his stepped off keenly with a satisfying swish of his robes as Remus led off he was happier to talk on the move it felt far more purposeful somehow. Raising his wand to illuminate their path he let his eyes flit into every shadow on the eye for any student out of bed without excuse. Now they were walking he felt more companionable and in an odd way more concerned for his companion and thus he answered his next question more sincerely than he might have otherwise. ”Umm I’m not really sure to be honest, things just get more complicated every month and soon it’ll be the holidays… He trailed off, the holidays he currently felt were no good thing. What about you anything exciting going on, have you been applying for jobs and stuff ready for when you leave?

[Deleted]

Always happy to hear about others, Remus smiled as he listened to Regulus talk about his lessons and being able to drop herbology. It was an interesting subject but not everyone’s cup of tea and it was also one of the subjects that Remus was no longer studying. Giving a nod as the Slytherin said that the lessons were getting more interesting – being able to specialise generally left subjects to be able to focus in more detail.
“Subjects always get more interesting when they become more defined.” He agreed. “And Quidditch certainly seems to be a big focus of most of the school,” Remus smiled wit this, thinking about his friends’ involvement with the game.
“I’m sure that there isn’t anything to worry about."

The topic moved onto how Remus was coping with the NEWTs and he gave a small frown. They were difficult and had definitely contributed to some of the stress on his back.
"They are certainly not easy and I'm worried about my Potions, it's never been my best of skills but a useful subject, Sirius, James and Peter are taking it as well. We're all doing Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Transfiguration." Remus said lightly, mentioning the subjects that all the Marauders shared. He suspected that Regulus may be curious as to what subjects were generally taken as well as his brother's. From what Remus could tell, his friend had cut himself off from his family (for good reasons) yet the Gryffindor suspected that this had been hard on Sirius' younger brother.
"I also do Arithmancy with Sirius and James. The others took a few more subjects than myself but I think that it's best to focus and try to get better results. Quality not quantity." Remus advised.

As they started walking, Remus kept his wand up and ready, the light from the end illuminating the corridors. The seventh year kept his wand a little lower than Regulus, making sure that they could still see the ground beneath their feet and also in case anything had been left (or sneakily put out) to try and trip unwary prefects and teachers. It always paid to be on the side of caution. Listening to Regulus' words about things becoming more complicated, Remus gave a nod to show that he was listening and he frowned slightly. It didn't seem fair that the Slytherin was having to deal with complications and it sounded like he wasn't looking forwards to the holidays either. Mind you, Remus was of the same mind - he was nervous about leaving the safety of Hogwarts that had been his home for so many years. A safe haven.

"Well, if you ever need anyone to talk to about any complications, I always have an open ear," Remus told Regulus, calmly. He always liked to help other students.
"And an open book if some of it is work related." He added, aware that it was best to keep things light and not too specific when offering help - some could always take offense and be less likely to accept.
"I don't have anything exciting happening. I'll be sad to leave Hogwarts, that's for sure. But I have been looking for a job." Talking about jobs was not too easy for Remus, considering his condition and the student knew that is was best to avoid getting too far into that topic. Still, there wasn't an easy way to divulge from the topic and Remus knew he would just have to see how it played out.

[Deleted]

The evening was passing in what could only be described as a pleasant fashion Regulus mused as they ambled along together through the shadowy corridors, their quiet footsteps echoed with the melancholy grandeur that only a building as grand as hogworts could possess. He reflected how odd it was that a building dwarfing him into insignificants with its presents so conforted whereas when a fellow did they same in filled him with that desperately revolting needy jealously. The thought twisted his lips into a dry half smile as he nodded along to Remus’ pitter-patter words.

The older boy had a pleasant way of filling silences with the sort of nothing conversation that felt easiest and to show his appreciation Regulus made sure to nod and hmm in all the right places. Reg was caught slightly when Remus’ sketched out the subjects his little gang were taking unsure whether to be pleased that he’d been informed of his brothers lessons or irritated that Remus’ felt it necessary to inform him of the subjects choice of a group of snotty gryffindors. Still he agreed with the boys statement of quality over quantity, five or even four good NEWTS was clearly superior to a any amount of mediocre passes. ”Oh I agree completely, pointless being overspread and not grasping a subject simply for the sake of an extra pass grade, still sometimes it’s difficult to decide what to cull.” He had definitely felt the squeeze this year but his views on which subject to drop had clashed so violently with his fathers that he had ended up with both subjects. Neither his father nor Regulus was happy with arrangement but it was as close to a consensus as they had been able to reach., Regulus never felt able to please the man. 

He nodded at Remus offer at help academic or otherwise, appreciating the sentiment but feeling fairly sure he wouldn’t take it up, he liked Remus but his use of the word open book even if a different context was exactly the problem. He couldn’t think of many people less like an open book than the mousy haired fellow ambling along at his side, how could you confide in someone so blandly pleasant, how could they understand that you could never aspire to that same stolid niceness . “Thanks for the offer but I’m sure it’ll work out.” He simply couldn’t complain to someone so uncomplaining. Thinking of that Regulus peered at his companion face with deliberate obviousness checking his colour hadn’t got any pastier but it was difficult to tell in the mellow wandlight. Inspection complete he decided to push Remus for a more definite answer on his career choice wondering if he was perhaps embarrassed about the field he was going into, though he hadn’t mentioned muggle studies as one of his NEWTS so at least he wasn’t going into that laughable field of muggle relations. “So what sort of jobs have you been applying for, anything exciting, or maybe a role in the ministry?”

[Deleted]

Walking was pleasant and melodic. Remus found that he always did enjoy the nighttime patrols. It gave him a time to talk to other students or if they preferred silence, then time to think to himself away from the rest of the hustle and bustle of the school world. Not only was it calming but it doing his work and Remus enjoyed helping the teachers out by looking after the school. Although it was also nice that the person who he had with him now was someone who he got on well with.

He nodded as Regulus agreed with the idea of not doing too much subjects but brought up the difficulties of knowing what to choose. Remus had had a hard time narrowing down his list but he had managed it in the end.
"It's important to know what you want to do, that helps to narrow things down. The teachers will help decide things as well. They were really helpful." Remus told the younger student, not wanting to worry him but wanting to add help.
"And then work on what subjects you enjoy as well." Remus replied, giving the other student a smile in the dim light that came from their wands and the growing moon that shown through the windows. He glanced out a window briefly at the moon with a small frown before looking around the corridors, keeping an eye out for students.

As Regulus turned down the offer of help, Remus gave a nod. He suspected that Regulus would do well at his subjects.
"I'm sure you'll be fine but the offer will still stand." Remus replied, wanting to make sure that the Slytherin was aware that even if Regulus didn't think he would need any help. The Gryffindor looked over at Regulus and he caught the Slythering looking at his face with a little more attention than normal. Remus knew that nothing much would show. He hadn't gotten any worse from this exercise - it would be no difficultly to stay up and finish the patrol.

The topic of jobs came up and Remus gave an internal sigh at this. It was not an easy topic although he wanted to get a good job that was highly improbable.
"I've been applying for some menial stuff for now. It's hard to get a good job without some experience, I've heard. Maybe I'll go in for a Ministry job later." Remus replied with a small shrug, knowing that there wasn't much of a chance.
"What about you? Have you anything planned?"

[Deleted]

Although well meant Regulus was sure the advise to ask the teachers to sort out his academic dilemma was fairly useless, as much as his father found Slughorn amusing he doubted that his blustering would have any sway on his father. Not that Regulus really believed Slughorn would dare clash with Orion, his father held far more sway than son and so Regulus felt confident that his head of house would advise him to listen to papa. Well he had listened to papa, at least halfway. Halfway was of course not good enough, halfway was a bit like coming second and even the second son should not come second.

Other things included in the list of things Black's shouldn't do included whinging to Gryffindors about their childish dilemma a little voice whispered urging his to pull himself together and reply with a bit less melodrama to Remus even if the word were in the verge of brusqueness. "It's a bit late for that, nearly the end of the year, still I'm sure the subjects will stand me in good stead and that's the important thing." In truth he supposed that in the end what subjects he studied was immaterial and it would be blood and loyalty that mattered come the end but institutionalized as he was in the life of Hogwarts dusty books. learning and tests he struggled to convince himself sometimes.

 He felt a flash of surprise and his companions plans to look for a menial job, maybe that was normal for half bloods? Still he found it strange that a boy with such obvious aspirations and a solid academic history wouldn't be a bit more ambitious, bizarre. Maybe it was just modesty. "Surely your plans are a bit more ambitious than that Lupin, no need for false modesty, aspirations are to be admired. What's the point of stressing over NEWTS if you intend to go into a field where a handful of OWLS would suffice." He felt genuinely bemused, bemused that he cared what his fellow went on to do, surely it mattered not if he chose to squander his talents.

Still the waste bothered him somehow and this flare of irritation fueled his reply in regards to his own career. "I'm a Black, if my brother doesn't return to the fold then my role is manage the family estate." This, fortunate or unfortunate, would be a career in itself. He knew childish dreams of studying wandlore needed to be cast aside, his focus must be on the family even the distasteful process of fathering an heir. The thought of courting some squidgy wellbred girl then being stuck forever beside her and listen to her pointless chatter was painfully off-putting. A girl like Cissy wouldn't be too bad but a girl like her deserved to be loved and he would never love a girl. He knew who he loved the mysterious man who took no lovers only servants and Blacks should not serve. Yet Bella served him and Bella was a Black to the core even if she was a woman, serving that man was a career he could contemplate.