Toujours Pur

Regulus Arcturus Black ~ 18. Slytherin. Sole Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

Year 6 | 1976

Sending a letter home never took very long. Every two weeks, he’d send a report of sorts, mainly about his grades and upcoming exams. Just enough to let his parents know that he was still on the ‘right track’. The walk from the common room to Owlery was always pleasant, quiet. Inside the Owlery was the same, though the birds helped to break the silence. He had been lucky the last month to go up when no one was there, but it seemed that someone else had the same idea to send a letter as well.

“Thought I was alone.” He commented, moving towards his own owl. 

[snapesniped]

Chopped // DE Thread

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

snapesniped‌:

“How… generous of you.” He sighed, knowing he was right. ‘They, however tend to have small minded problems that berating me and extracting a potion tend to fix… I have a feeling you are not as easily taken care of.” 

A project? Severus kept from narrowing his eyes– it was hard not to be suspicious of a Black’s intentions from the start. “Interesting– I appreciate the nod, and would be happy to share my knowledge with you.” If it was of mutual benefit. He subconsciously put his hand on the table to ground himself. “The ingredients, on the other hand, I might not be able to part with. The Dark Lord has given me some commissions and a stipend– depending on what you need it might be too important to give away.” Better to set him up honestly than be unable to fulfill what Regulus’s request– though now curiosity has gotten the better of him and he badly wants to know what Regulus is working on.

“I’m afraid I’m not as easy, no.” He replied. “If I could do it myself, I would, but as luck would have it, I can’t. At least not without someone else’s input.” Severus was knowledgeable and it was easier to go to him rather than consult some book. After all, they didn’t always reveal everything you needed to know.

“Even if you can’t bare to part some ingredients, then you would know where I could find it?” He asked after a moment. “Or what could be a decent substitute that won’t end in an exploding cauldron.” Regulus knew that the question would come up, so it was better to put it out there now. “And I suppose you’d want something in return.”

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

The Chronicles of J & A ||Regulus & Lily

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

vivacious-lilium‌:

Dear A – 

Thankfully the incident went by without too much fuss. Still, drug up too many memories and thoughts for my liking. And I can’t say I recommend showing up to work hungover. I was able to brew a potion to help, but it’s still not my favorite activity. 

I can’t imagine working anywhere where I fall asleep on the shift. Not to be rude, but your job sounds horribly boring. I’m plotting your escape, I just haven’t figured out the best way to pull it off yet. No one deserves a fate so dull. 

It’s easy enough to pick up. Maybe next letter I’ll include a tutorial on it. I’m glad you liked the shop though. That tea is a good choice. I stopped by and picked up some of the pomegranate you recommended; I was surprised by how good it is. Such a darling little shop too, thank you for the recommendation! 

This week has been better, thank you. Much better than the start it got off to. I’ve seen a few friends that I don’t have bad blood with. My boyfriend and I haven’t managed to kill each other yet either, so there’s that.  I hope your week hasn’t been as dull as the last. 

I have a book recommendation for you. The Circle of Dawn. It’s a Muggle book written about the occult. It’s scary accurate, I imagine the author knew a witch or wizard. A friend recommended it to me and I figured I’d pass along the suggestion. I picked up that potions book you suggested not that long ago. It’s been a great read. 

I’ll leave you here for now. 

Your friend, 

J – 

Dear J,

I’m glad to hear the week started off better for you. I actually got the chance to see an old friend as well. I may see them again next week. Better to try and get out of the flat every so often, though I’ll already be taking the precautions I need to. 

 Believe me, my job will always be exceptionally boring. Today though I was working alone, apparently my father was going out of town and needed someone with more experience to accompany him. Soon enough he says it’ll be me, but I think I’ve got a bit more time before that happens. One good thing that might come out it is that I’d have more thrilling tales to tell you. As for my escape, I’m by the window so I’m sure that I’ll be able to go out through there if you leave a broom for me. If not, I’m there’s other methods we could try.

A tutorial might help considering how long I was standing there trying to make sure I gave her the right bills. She took pity on me, I think. Probably thought I was from abroad.

As for the book, I’ll have to see how accurate it is for myself. It sounds like it could be interesting. Sounds like something a Muggle Studies class would assign. For you, I recommend The Red Moon, based on an old witches’ tale. I actually found it when Floruish and Blotts got a new shipment of international books at the end of February. Perhaps the next time we get the chance to write, we’ll both be able to see how far we’ve gotten.

I hope to hear from you soon,

A

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

“I like to think you’re smarter than you give yourself credit for,” she replied, not trying to be flirty even if it came across that way.

“No, I actually prefer seafood to any other sort of protein,” she explained as she put the rice on.  She turned to season and prepare the salmon, putting it in a pan skin side down to crisp it up a bit.  The sound of it crackling a bit in the butter made her smile. “It’s finnicky though.  But if I mess up, we can have sushi instead.”  She turned the oven on to get it pre-heated as went over to the sink and washed her hands.  

Next, she started chopping up the vegetables.  “So how are you on this fine evening?  Work wasn’t too boring I hope.”

“I’ll be taking that as a compliment.” Regulus smirked slightly. Talking, he found, was relatively nice. Though it helped that she wasn’t just anyone. At least he could relax a bit.

“Other than considering chucking myself out the window, I’d say it’s rather uneventful. Though the only other person I work with tends to drift off like today. I was able to escape early.” Regulus answered. “And you? Any new pieces I should be keeping an eye out for?”

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

Emma glanced up at him as he perched on the counter.  “Hm, you’re a smart one, aren’t you?” she asked as she pulled out two salmon fillets, one for each of them.  

“Although shrimp are great.  They’re my favorite type of protein to be honest.”  She also pulled out some vegetables and rice.  “I make a mean salmon, at least I like to think so.”

“That or I’m a good guesser.” Regulus said. “I think I’ve got everything you need here unless we need to transfigure something.”

“First time with seafood?” He asked her after a moment once the rice was cooking.

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

Emma nodded and looked around the kitchen.  Nerves settled inside of her.  What if she messed up?  “Thanks, Reg…”  She could do this.

“I can tell you, but where’s the fun in that?” she laughed.  “It’s seafood,” she hinted, but that was all that she said.  “Although blindfolding you sounds like an absolutely wonderful time,” she teased.  

“It probably would be.” He replied, moving to sit on top of the counter where he was sure he wouldn’t be in her way.

“I’m will to bet that it’s salmon.” Regulus mused after a moment. “Salmon or shrimp.” He leaned over slightly, turning on the overhead light so they could see better.

[snapesniped]

Chopped // DE Thread

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

snapesniped‌:

Regulus Black was a funny creature. Severus finds that his feelings towards the boy waver back and forth too quickly for his liking. For example, he appreciates that Black doesn’t run his fucking hands all over everything in the lab, unlike his counterparts. He doesn’t, however, appreciate the fact that Regulus comes from a bloodline that Severus wants to light on fire. He audibly sighs, wiping his hands on his apron before turning around. “Funny, that statement is. Usually implies that the person visiting is, in fact, an old friend.” He leans his body back against the table and raises as eyebrow at the younger boy. 

“What do you want, Black?”

“I would count studying together in absolute silence as being friends.” Regulus replied. “It could be worse, you know. I could be Maya or Bellatrix. I’m sure they’d be perfectly lovely guests, though I think you know I use the term loosely.” Regulus paused for a moment.

“I’ve been working on a project of my own.” He started. “And I’m afraid that its hit a bit of a snag which is why I’ve decided to come to you.” He glanced around the room before looking back to him. “Given the wide range of ingredients you have at your disposal.”

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

Emma nodded, her head already spinning.  “I’ll have to go to the store.  I have the perfect thing in mind.”  She was reeling in how excited she was; excited and scared.  She knew that Barty enjoyed her food, but sometimes she wondered if it was just because it was better than what his house elf could make.

The next night, at six on the dot, she arrived to meet Regulus, a grocery bag in hand.  “I do hope you have a working kitchen.”

Regulus had lead her into the kitchen, turning back to her. “Might be a tad dusty from lack of use, but I’m sure it’ll be more than enough for you to make.”

“Any chance you can give me a clue as to what you’ll be making?” He asked, looking over into the bag that she had brought along. Unfortunately there was nothing discernible he could try and use to figure it out. “Or would you rather I just blindfolded myself and guess that way.”

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

That got a genuine laugh out of Emma.  “I bet you do.”

“Six works,” she smiled.  “Anything you’d prefer?  Or I can surprise you, I just wouldn’t want to make you something you don’t actually… eat.”

“Surprise me.” He said after a moment. “I promise that whatever you make I will eat.” He then chuckled slightly. “And I think we both know I’ll tell if I like the taste or not.”

[snapesniped]

Chopped // DE Thread

The Dark Lord had granted him a stipend to rent out a place to brew with, and every day that he was allowed his own space to work with, he was more and more grateful. It was nothing more than a cramped rented room in the back of a Knockturn Alley establishment, but it was his– welcome to all Death Eaters alike (to Severus’s dismay) but hidden away from any eyes that he might be avoiding (to Severus’s relief). He’d found a normalcy in the routine, coming in, working on his experimental potions while also finding a spare moment here and there to work on furthering his education to someday become a Potion’s Master. The Dark Lord had approved of it, which was Severus’s only saving grace as he felt the pressure building with every day passing. He had no one, and nothing, and Voldemort knew it. 

But these were the thoughts that occupied him as he crushed the root of lavender that he was using in the newest elixir he’d thought up last week– only his third attempt, the potion was no where near completed, but it was these moments of uncertainty and problem solving that he strove for, his brain working in double time to find a solution…. until the foot steps behind him indicated that someone was present. 

“Can I help you?” He asked, not bothering to turn around as he wiped his hands on his brewer’s apron and reached back to tighten the leather strap around his hair. 

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

“I was wondering where you had decided to set up shop. I would say the location is rather fitting for you.” Regulus said as he glanced around the room. He knew well enough not to touch anything, he knew he’d throw a fit of his own if his ingredients were shifted around. He looked at a green vial with interest before looking back to him. “An old friend can’t come and say hello?” He asked him sarcastically. Of course he had his motives, but he needed to ensure that Severus wouldn’t throw him out on principle first.

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

The girl smiled as she looked away.  “Food is food, yes.  But not all food is good food,” she quipped back.  She used to eat what her house elf would make, and now she realized that her house elf couldn’t cook.  

“So tomorrow night then?  I can either make something and bring it to you, or make something at your place.  Maybe teach you a thing or two,” she teased.  “Everyone should at least know how to cook something other than Minute Magic Pasta.”

“I’ll have you know I make the best Minute Magic Pasta.” He quipped. 

“Tomorrow it is. My kitchen hasn’t gotten much use lately, so I suppose having a guest over would make it feel more useful.” He nodded slightly. “I’ll see you at 6?”

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

The Chronicles of J & A ||Regulus & Lily

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

vivacious-lilium‌:

My friend A, 

I hope that you’re able to find more moments of peace. I doubt it possible, with our darkening world, but I hope all the same. I’ve tried to find ways to inspire a bit more peace within myself, but recently it’s been fleeting and inconsistent. I think things will only get worse as the war goes on. 

Sugar Pot Tea Company is my favorite shop to go to. They have a little tea room in addition to their selection. Of course, you’ll need Muggle currency. Going off our previous conversations, I’m guessing you don’t have any. I’ve sent enough to get a container of their best tea. Get something delicious. The woman who owns it is incredibly sweet; just ask her for a recommendation and she’ll point you in the right direction. I’m going to have to try this pomegranate tea. Where do you get your’s? I may as well try the real thing. 

The book sounds incredibly interesting, I’ll pick it up tomorrow after work. I’ve just been rereading my favorite Muggle classics truthfully. I must be feeling a bit homesick. 

Is there anything you can do to your day to make it more interesting? Maybe casually charm all your papers to turn into little birds and fly away? 

Aw, A. How sweet of you. I’m glad you’ve continued to write to me all those years since that little Hogwarts project that started it all. I may not know who you are, but I do care about you. I hope you stay well and healthy during all this madness, I’m not sure what I’d do if I lost my favorite writing companion. 

You’ll never believe what happened to me this week. Had the worst day of my month. I forgot to check my schedule and managed to get properly wasted the night before an early morning shift. I was an hour late to work, and a few hours into my shift my ex-best friend shows up asking after ingredients. There I was, hungover out of my mind realizing that I haven’t processed any of the emotions I have about our friendship. 

All that said, I hope you’re having a better week than me. 

Always your friend, 

J

Dear J,

Merlin,you had quite the day then. Hopefully they got what they needed and left before causing too much trouble. Personally, I haven’t shown up to work hungover yet, but there’s always time to start.

Charming my papers? I suppose I could give it a try, though recently I’ve been keeping a tally at my desk as to how many times my coworker nods off during the day. So far his record is 8, but I’m sure he’ll be able to beat it, I believe in him.

Ah, now I have no excuse to not venture out into the Muggle world, thank you very much for that. I ended up going yesterday. Didn’t stay long enough to have a cup there, I’m afraid I’ll have to brush up on my people skills. The owner recommended Darjeeling tea which I haven’t had before and it was quite good. I’ll need to spend more time figuring out muggle currency for the next time I want to go.

I get mine in an in-the-wall shop, similar to Leaky Cauldron. Muggles don’t pay attention to it, but its two streets away from King’s Cross Station, on Southern Street. No tea room, but the warlock that runs it has a good selection. Pick the pomegranate first though, it’s the best one they have.

I hope the rest of your week goes better. Who knows, maybe things will start to look up

Your friend,

A

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

Emma chuckled.  “We’ll have to see, Mr. Black,” she teased lightly.  “I mean, if you’d like to try something, I can attempt to come up with something for you.”  She had been experimenting since she did that piece nearly three months prior.  She even started working a couple nights a week just watching and learning.  

“I’m not quite sure if it’ll live up to your high standards though.”

“Never know unless you try.” He laughed slightly. “Food is food after all. 

“I might not be much of a chef, but I can be an excellent judge if you give me the chance.” Regulus continued on. “The best thing I might have made was pasta and that was purely with magic alone.”

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

She nodded with a small smile. “Both,” she replied.  “It’s like a dance almost.  Having several things going at once, each component bringing something special to the dish.  Magic helps, but the only way to truly build flavor is to do certain things without.  If that makes sense.”

“Merlin, I’m turning into a food snob.”

“Somewhat.” Regulus replied, remembering all those nights he’d watch Kreacher make dinner. The house elf would snap his fingers and everything would go flying, neatly and make its way to the table. Occasionally, he’d even make him a snack if he was polite. 

“I don’t think you sound that bad just yet. If I’m lucky, you’ll have to let me try some.”

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

emma-t-vanity‌:

Emma bit her lip and looked away from Regulus.  “I’ve… I have found a decent new hobby,” she mused.  “But you can’t tell anyone.”  She wasn’t quite sure if she could trust the youngest Black, but he was so excited about the skill she was learning that it made her want to tell everyone.

“I’ve been learning to cook.”

“I suppose it can’t be that bad, can it?’ He raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued at the young witch. Of all the things he could have guessed, cooking wasn’t one of them. “Really?”

“With or without magic?” He asked. “Or both?”

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

The Chronicles of J & A ||Regulus & Lily

[regulus-thelastheir-black]

vivacious-lilium‌:

A – 

I’m certain you can find it in your heart to forgive me. 

I’d say that’s true. Without dreams of the future, I think I’d get far too caught up with what’s going on. Sometimes I need some space from such grim subject matter. 

I suggest getting a comfortable throw blanket. I’ve got about three, and it’s been a great investment. They just make things feel so much cozier. Might I also suggest getting a good stock of teas? There’s a fantastic tea shop in Muggle London that I frequent. I can give you the name if you’re interested? 

You know me, I’ll never turn down a new book recommendation. 

Yes, I love the new job there. It’s not that I don’t also like babysitting, but this just feels different. Plus, it’s nice to have a bit of consistency. And, like you said, anything I need is right there at my fingertips. The other day at work I brewed something for my hangover. Not many jobs you could do that at. Although, I was also horribly late that day. Last time I get drunk before checking my work schedule. 

I hope you’re safe, wherever you are. These times seem to be getting all the more dangerous. I can’t help but worry over my friends – even my anonymous penpal friends. 

Your friend, 

J 

My dearest J,

I hope you’re doing well. I can’t help but worry at times either. There will be times where for a moment, I’m perfectly at peace, but it disappears as soon as it came. It’s fleeting, but I welcome it.

With all the rain coming in, staying inside with tea and a blanket sounds preferable.I don’t know much about Muggle London to begin with, so any recommendation you have, I’ll be more than happy to take. My own stock of tea could use something new. One thing I recommend though is pomegranate tea, it’s recently become my favorite.

My new book recommendation for you then is ‘Elixirs, Poisons and other brews’. I’ve had it for years now, probably the most worn out of all the potions books I have.

I don’t think I could ever babysit, I’ve not got the patience for it it seems so you’re a better person than I am. Consistency is needed at times at least until it becomes mundane. I’ve barely been here a month and already I’ve grown tired of it.

I’m glad to hear from you. This is one of the few constants in my life right now and having a friend like you has been invaluable to me. Now look, I’m starting to get sappy. I’d better end this here considering I’m supposed to be working at the moment. Then again, it was a welcomed distraction.

- A