Treacherous | J. POTTER

1 | hogwarts express

"Yes, mother," Del replied. The women had been berating her for the past hour about leaving her wand on the table instead of on her person. "I understand."

"It doesn't seem like you understand," the women countered and the girl had to do everything in her power not to roll her eyes. "This isn't the first time."

"I forgot it after practicing for Transfigurations," she informed her. "Not that I'm even supposed to be using my wand outside of Hogwarts but I did upon your request." Del crossed her arms over her chest, "I'll try to remember next time."

"Don't try," Walburga countered. "Do not forget next time."

Del's jaw clenched instinctively, "I won't." So much for going a day without getting scolded for something ridiculous. At least she didn't-

"You're starting to act like Sirius," she stated and Del shook her head in disbelief. "That Potter boy rubbed off on him, I wouldn't want the same thing happening to you."

"Believe me, I stay as far away from James Potter as I can get," she replied simply. And it was the truth. As a Slytherin, their houses were on opposite sides of the school and seeing as she refused to talk to Sirius since the incident, she had no reason to be near the boy. And why would she want to? "Is it alright if I head to bed?" she requested, "I don't want to accidentally oversleep tomorrow."

"You may go," she agreed with a nod. "Make sure you've packed everything."

"Yes, mother," she replied before making her way to her room with a huff. She closed the door as soon as she entered her room and let out a breath of relief, leaning against the door.

Del had been walking on eggshells since Sirius's departure. Everything seemed so much worse now that he was gone and she wasn't sure if it was because her mother and father were livid or she missed having her twin there with her. It doesn't matter, she scolded herself. He's gone and it's just you now. She looked over at the picture on her nightstand, Well, you and Regulus.

The following day, Regulus and Del were escorted to the Hogwarts Express by their mother and father, Walburga and Orion Black. She could feel the eyes on them as soon as they had stepped onto the platform. It may have always been like this but that didn't make it any more enjoyable.

"Remember what I told you," Walburga spoke up and Del had to once again fight back her immediate response.

"Yes, I remember," she nodded in agreement.

"And stay away from-"

"James Potter," she finished for her.

"I was going to say Sirius but him too."

Del frowned slightly, "Got it." It wasn't as though her and Sirius were even on speaking terms but that didn't mean she never wanted to speak to her brother again. She didn't have a choice, however, because whatever Walburga Black says, goes. Everyone was afraid of Walburga and Orion Black, their own children were no exception.

The train whistle sounded and Regulus and Del turned to look behind them. Del looked back at her parents, "We should get going before we miss the train."

"We'll be expecting you at Christmas," Orion informed her.

Del plastered on a smile, "Of course."

As soon as she had turned around, the smile dropped from her face and she pulled her brother along and onto the train. She looked down for a moment as they boarded and did a double take of the boys forearm.

"What is this?" she hissed as she gripped the boys wrist in her hand. She pulled him into an empty compartment quickly, making sure no one had seen what she had, "You can't be serious."