The Grimm's Fairy Tales—a book full of stories children love. Regulus Black knew of it, of course, but as a member of a pure-blood wizarding family, he had never come into contact with such books growing up. His childhood was instead surrounded by all kinds of dark magic tomes.
Now, the reason Regulus Black was interested in a children's fairy tale was because of his previous life.
That life was utterly ordinary—he wasn't a wizard and had no magic. But it was through that life that the boy once named Regulus learned a great deal, such as how to look at things from different perspectives.
Although Grimm's Fairy Tales were technically just fairy tales, they actually contained quite a bit of material related to witches and wizards.
Regulus Black was fairly certain that in that mundane past life, wizards did exist—though hidden. There were also fairy tales and stories about magic, like the Harry Potter movies and books. They had been his childhood favorites, after all.
And now, as Regulus Black, to personally step into the world of Harry Potter, to be a wizard among wizards, equipped with a system and familiar with the plot—it all felt like a dream come true.
Looking again at the fairy tales—Sleeping Beauty fell into slumber because of a witch's curse, Snow White fled due to a witch's persecution, Rapunzel was raised by a witch, and Cinderella attended the ball thanks to a fairy godmother. Countless stories featured witches or wizards.
Those stories that once seemed so innocent now appeared entirely different in Regulus Black's eyes.
Especially this copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales—it even contained notes written by other readers.
"What were the blessings from the thirteen witches in Sleeping Beauty? Why didn't the author list them out?"
"Could the magic mirror in Snow White actually be the Mirror of Erised? Though it feels a little different."
"Rapunzel really was a fool. She could've made a rope from her hair and snuck out to play anytime."
"Are the animal transformations in fairy tales supposed to be Animagus magic?"
"Turning into a frog and pretending to be a prince—that's just creepy."
"There are princes and princesses everywhere, giants and dwarfs all over the place, talking animals in every story, and even Muggles using magical items. Was the Muggle who wrote this book completely insane?"
As Regulus flipped through the pages, a rare smile appeared on his usually cold face. It seemed even wizarding kids could be mischievous.
Thinking of the Mirror of Erised—that magical artifact was hidden somewhere within Hogwarts. Dumbledore had once used it to comfort Harry Potter, allowing him to see the parents he had never known, soothing the boy's young heart.
Later, Dumbledore gave him the Invisibility Cloak, sparking Harry's spirit of adventure and guiding him step-by-step toward defeating the Dark Lord.
The last appearance of the Mirror of Erised was in the Chamber where Harry faced Voldemort. It was there that Professor Quirrell died.
Around noon, Regulus Black headed to the Great Hall on the first floor for lunch, casually sweeping his gaze across the room.
Among the four long tables for each house, Gryffindor's was by far the noisiest, while the other three were much quieter.
Ravenclaw's table seemed the most friendly, with senior students kindly looking after the younger ones.
Slytherin's table had the most style—most students made an effort to appear elegant and refined.
Hufflepuff's table was the most casual—everyone interacted like family, close and harmonious.
"Professor Snape, anything... interesting in today's class?"
Regulus Black turned to ask Severus Snape beside him.
Snape's movements were stiff. He finally turned his head toward Regulus with some effort.
"Aside from the usual accidents, nothing. And I'd prefer if even those didn't happen."
As a responsible teacher, Severus Snape took his duties seriously—though his teaching style was rather strict (or rather, elegant in his own terms).
Regulus Black began eating his lunch, but Snape didn't let up. He kept his head turned, staring at Regulus. Being watched like that made the food lose all taste.
Putting down his knife and fork gracefully, Regulus wiped his mouth and prepared to clarify what he had said earlier.
"I know Harry Potter is also a first-year. Surely, the so-called 'Boy Who Lived' must show some remarkable qualities."
What Regulus meant was simply that he was curious—nothing more.
Snape squinted at him for a moment before turning back to his own lunch.
"A mediocrity—hasn't inherited a single one of his parents' strengths, aside from the looks."
"I'm sure, with time, his good traits will show."
With that, the conversation ended, allowing the professors around them to breathe a little easier.
One Snape already made the atmosphere heavy with storm clouds—and now there was a Black? That surname alone spelled trouble.
Thankfully, both men kept a low profile. After all, darkness is like a shadow—present, but not always oppressive.
But if those two ever became twin tempests of storm and shadow—then thunder and lightning would surely follow, and that would be nothing short of a disaster.
Professor Flitwick was already prepared to cast a Disarming Charm the moment they made a move!
Finally, peace and quiet to enjoy a meal—what a blessing!
Dumbledore sat at the center of the staff table, showing no reaction to the conversation happening on his right. His expression was calm and composed.
Although Regulus Black hadn't deliberately looked at Dumbledore, he could still feel the gazes from those around him. Dumbledore clearly wasn't paying attention to them, which made it even harder to gauge where he stood on the matter.
The magnanimity of someone in power? Hmph...
Regulus Black quickly finished his lunch and waited quietly.
Exactly one second after pushing away his plate, about a hundred owls came swooping into the Great Hall from both sides.
These messengers brought with them all sorts of deliveries—forgotten school supplies, pre-ordered newspapers and books, and letters from home.
"Hey, look! Neville got a Remembrall!"
"I know that one! If you've forgotten something, it fills with red smoke."
Hermione, the class genius, promptly explained the function of the Remembrall.
Neville stared blankly at his Remembrall, looking doomed.
"The problem is... I don't remember what I forgot."
Meanwhile, Harry Potter was drawn to a headline in the Daily Prophet about an unidentified wizard or witch breaking into Gringotts. The incident happened at vault 713—the very same vault Harry had visited. He knew Hagrid had taken the only item inside. The Gryffindor trio instantly went into full detective mode, their imaginations running wild.
Soon after, several owls flew toward the staff table and delivered a package to Regulus Black.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!" The loud thuds made it clear the package was heavy.
Professor Trelawney was startled and ended up spilling water all over herself.
"Professor Trelawney, I hope you weren't burned. Scourgify."
Regulus Black offered a quick apology before instantly cleaning her up with a spell. Then, he opened the package right there on the spot.
It contained books ordered from Flourish and Blotts:
Magical Mediterranean Water Plants and Their Properties,
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi,
Complete Guide to Poisonous Mushrooms,
Magical Drafts and Potions, and
Advanced Potion-Making.
From the Inkpot Quill Shop came custom supplies: an auto-quick-quill, color-changing ink, a large bundle of parchment, a brass balance scale, a telescope, and a full set of crystal potion vials.
From Twilfitt and Tatting's Robes for All Occasions came a bundle of clothing, including several sets of custom personal wear, wizard robes in various styles, and two pairs of dragon-hide gloves—all in black.
From Potage's Cauldron Shop arrived a full set of cauldrons in every size and material.
This shop sold all types and models of cauldrons, and outside hung a sparkling sign that read:
Cauldrons
All sizes
Copper, Brass, Pewter, Silver
Self-Stirring
Collapsible
Lastly, the package from Eeylops Owl Emporium arrived. A large owl flew in carrying a birdcage in its claws. Inside was a young owl—very similar in breed to Harry Potter's Hedwig. It was a snowy owl as well.
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09