Regulus had felt slightly out of sorts since Barty's reappearance. It made him feel strange to wander out in public now. He had been so sure in the beginning that no one would recognize him; he had died so long ago and hardly anyone besides his family had taken notice, that it had seemed unlikely that anyone would be able to place him. He didn't know why he hadn't thought of other Death Eaters returning. It wasn't even a strange thought, not with Bellatrix and himself so easily and openly wandering about. But the idea of having to explain his actions to other Death Eaters, to where he had gone made him feel nervous and sick. Just seeing Barty had reminded him of that feeling, of being surrounded on all sides, of betraying and lying to nearly every friend he had known.
It had taken a bit nerve to for him to walk back into Diagon Alley, but he wasn't one to be cooped up. It was difficult for him to remain still for too long, so here he was, spilled back into cold, enjoying the motions of wizards and witches shopping and smiling and preparing for the upcoming holiday. The cheer was palpable, and it was a nice change from the last few holidays he could recall, where everyone was a little more grim as the war raged on. Everyone worried about who would still be alive and would they return the following year. That change was pleasant enough. But it was terribly, terribly strange to think of spending a holiday without his parents. It would probably just him and Bellatrix this year, a sure sign of how small the Black family had become.
Even though a few of their family items had been restored, Regulus was certain that there were many still about. He wandered vaguely from shop to shop without much thought for the moment. Abruptly, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up a bit, a slight prickle, as if alerting him to the fact that he was being followed or watched. A slight frown burrowed into his forehead and he glanced briefly over his shoulder, trying not to draw too much attention. It wouldn't do to be followed back to the manor again. Barty was one thing, but there were many that would wish them greater harm.