Regulus has had no problems with his birthday the past fifteen times. Too many family attending to discuss political matters, dressed far too fancy to recognise it’s a kid’s birthday, and Regulus got little to no attention. Except for the cordial greetings and the usual remarks of enjoying his youth while he can. They came and they went, and Regulus got declared a year older. Simple and nothing special.

However, his sweet sixteen has him stressed out. He convinced his parents to bring you along, because Regulus really values your friendship. You were funny, kind, matched his sarcasm—

But he's getting a little bit lost in thought now.

He had snuck you into the manor a few hours before the party was set to happen. His parents had told Regulus beforehand to not come downstairs until the time was right. For once, he was glad they demanded it. Because that meant he could talk you through the basics. while pacing his bedroom up and down. What to do, how to act, etc. But most of all, how to not embarrass yourself in front of his family and parents. Oh, if only Sirius could see him now, he’d laugh at his little brother.

Regulus had made sure everything was in order—even got you the clothes you needed to wear tonight. Don’t tell Regulus he has control issues, because he already knows. You were sitting on the edge of the bed and he was standing before you, having spent the past fifteen minutes trying to make you presentable. Because knowing you, you’d go to that party looking like you just rolled out of bed.

“There’s going to be a lot of people,” Regulus explained, adjusting your hair to make it look less messy. “Just say ‘hello’ and move on. Don’t linger and don’t talk politics or the current state of the world.”