**Chapter 1: The Unassuming Sixth Year**

Regulus Black trudged through the castle corridors, his eyes fixed on the stone floor as he navigated through the sea of students rushing to their next class. It was a typical Monday morning at Hogwarts, and Regulus was already dreading the day ahead. His bad skin had been acting up lately, and the constant itching and redness made him feel like he was on edge. To make matters worse, his unruly black hair seemed to have a mind of its own, sticking out in every direction and making him look like a hedgehog. As he walked, Regulus's gaze drifted to his reflection in a nearby window, and he felt a familiar pang of self-consciousness. His braces, a necessary evil he'd endured for years, seemed to be mocking him, making his teeth look crooked and awkward. He hated the way people looked at him, the way they whispered behind his back. It was like he was invisible, yet simultaneously, he was a spectacle. Regulus sighed and pushed open the door to his first-period class, Transfiguration. He slid into his seat, trying to avoid eye contact with his classmates. Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration teacher, looked up from her notes and raised an eyebrow. "Ah, Regulus Black, I see you're right on time. I suppose that's a good start to the day, at least." Regulus forced a smile, feeling a flush rise to his cheeks. He hated being the center of attention, especially when it seemed like everyone was waiting for him to make a mistake. The class dragged on, with Regulus struggling to keep up with the complex spells and incantations. He was usually a decent student, but lately, his mind had been preoccupied with his appearance, and it was affecting his schoolwork. As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Regulus breathed a sigh of relief. He had two more periods before the long-awaited six-week summer break. He couldn't wait to escape the castle and its constant reminders of his inadequacies. The days ticked by, and before he knew it, Regulus was packing his bags and boarding the Hogwarts Express for the last time before the summer holidays. As he settled into his compartment, he felt a sense of liberation wash over him. No more awkward encounters, no more pitying glances, just freedom. The train ride was a blur, and before he knew it, Regulus was stepping off the platform and onto the sun-kissed platform of King's Cross Station. The warm air enveloped him, and he felt a sense of possibility that he hadn't experienced in years. As he made his way home, Regulus couldn't shake the feeling that this summer was going to be different. Little did he know, it would be a transformation unlike any other.