[Regulus A Black]

Stormy grey eyes squinted across the Pitch without really looking for, or at, anything in particular. In one hand was the top-of-the-line broom he'd gotten at Christmas last year and in the other was a snitch he was supposed to be out here practising with. In truth he had used Quidditch practice as an excuse to find some peace. The Slytherin common room was full of whispers and rising cruelty that had been enough to make him feel uncomfortable. Something was building and growing in the dark places of the world and he was not sure he was ready for it.

His fist clenched tighter around the golden ball as a frown tugged at his face. This past summer had been awful which is what was really on his mind right now. Sirius had fought with their mother and run away from their home. The ranting and raving that had proceeded blasting his brother's likeness off the family tapestry had been horrible. Not unlike the sinister lecture he had undergone not once but three times throughout the summer holiday. The way his mother's eyes had looked he had simply quietly obeyed rather than discuss anything, too afraid of what she might do if he dissented too.

A sigh left him as he leaned against the wooden wall of the team rooms and let his eyes fall to his feet. The way his eyebrows were pinched together it was clear he was still deep in thought, unaware of whoever else might be in the area. As much as he wished to seek out Sirius and talk to him he knew that was a terrible idea. With so many cousins and other Purebloods in school, he was worried any contact with his disowned sibling might be met with immediate response. The very thought made him swallow nervously and rub the back of his hand. Why did things have to be so difficult?