☆ Regulus's POV — 29 July 1975
As of that day, Regulus Black was officially brotherless. Well not technically. The brother in question was still alive.
The bright flames spread further across the tapestry. One day, his father had said. Too short of a time for anyone to come to their senses. Regulus stared as it burned, watching his mother's wand over the fabric.
Time seemed to stand still as his father lectured him. It was numbing. Only hours later was he permitted to leave. He walked into his room, grabbing a fresh piece of parchment and quill. Regulus wrote one, simple sentence:
I would've said yes.
★ Sirius's POV — 19 June 1975 — Last day of 4rth Year, Hogwarts Train
"For the last time, James, I said yes."
"But why don't-"
"I have to show up for the holidays. I'll come in a few weeks when I can get away."
"How long do you reckon you'll hold out?" asked Remus as he handed a few coins to the Trolley Witch.
"I don't know," Sirius said. "I'm honestly done with dealing with their crap all summer. The only reason I ever go home is so Regulus won't be alone. Can't have him turning into a Death Eater without me."
"Please don't joke about that kind of stuff," said Peter.
Sirius ignored him. "Loosen up, Pete, it's just a joke."
"What'd your mother do after you made that speech at the Easter party?" James asked.
"Oh nothing, just wrote me out of her will."
"Don't worry about it mate. All you have to do is steal one of those creepy house-elf heads, sell it, and you're all set for life."
"Or outsell James' father with a new hair potion," suggested Remus. "Or rob Gringotts."
"I'll take my chances with that last one. Don't fancy carrying a severed head into Knockturn Alley."
"We could give it to Snape if it doesn't sell," James said.
"... I change my mind."
The hours on the train were short. Too short. Far too soon, they were in the middle of King's Cross, saying their goodbyes while waiting for their parents.
"Owl me every week, or I'm breaking you out," James said.
"If you're breaking me out, does that make me Rapunzel?"
"No, you don't have blond hair. You have to have blond hair to be Rapunzel."
James looked towards his waiting parents. "I've got to go."
"Bye."
"Adieu! Farewell!"
"Parting is such sweet sorrow!"
"I am gone forever-"
"C'mon Peter," Sirius heard Remus say. "Once they pull out the Shakespeare lines, they go on for a while." Then, quieter, "I knew I never should've brought that book in First Year."
After their goodbyes, Remus, Peter, and James all found their family and left. Sirius walked towards his parents, dragging his things behind him.
"Hello Mother, Father," Sirius said cheerily. "Regulus. Ready to go?"
As he followed his parents and brother through the barrier, Sirius couldn't help but wonder how long he would survive this summer.
YOU ARE READING
the brightest stars ☆ || marauders era fic
Fantasy"Which star is that?" A young, 7-year-old Regulus asked, pointing at the sky. They were lying in the grass late just outside their house, staring at the sky. "That is Sirius- Look, I'm a star. The brightest star in the entire night sky." Regulu...
