Wizarding Shorts

Unconditional

"I didn't know where to go" Sirius stood by the Potter's door, his younger brother behind him.

"Sirius" James breathed, pulling his best friend into a hug.

"Come in, both of you" he invited the boys in before turning his head back and shouted, "Mum, Dad look who is here!"

A middle aged women with dough covered hands and a man who looked like older version of James emerged from the house. Sirius and his brother Regulus still stood by the door, their mother's painful words and harsh comments echoing in their young minds.

"Come in, boys." James' mum, Euphemia gestured them to come in, she understood something was wrong just by the boy's expressions.

James' dad, Fleamont's and Euphemia's warm smile and cozy vibe made the boys feel welcomed. The stepped into the house. The Potters sat with them at the living room. They waited for the boys to feel comfortable enough to talk.

"They want us to join THEM" Sirius said, a huge wave of shame washed over him.

"Bella, Bella put cruciatus curse on him" the younger boy, Regulus spoke.

He wanted to seek help so badly, for his brother. To say his brother had risked his life to safe him and bring him here would be a understatement.

He saw how Sirius twitched and winced with every flick of Bella's wand. But, he still managed to break down his younger brother's door to rescue him from the destructive path that waited for him.

"She did what? Sirius- Honey are you alright dear? Does it hurt? Where does it hurt? Tell me" Euphemia rushed to the older boy, examining his body.

"I am fi-" Sirius stopped midway, unable to lie to the woman who loved him unconditionally.

"It's okay, dear. You are safe here. Both of you are safe. We will take care of you. " She said as the boys broke out loud sobs in the loving lady's arms.

"We are glad that you decided to come here. That both of you trusted James, Euphemia and I. Don't worry. You are going to be okay. You are safe here" the elder man said as he stood up.

"Euphemia, honey give them something to eat. I will arrange their bedrooms. Are you boys okay with sharing a bedroom together?"

The boys nodded as Euphemia encouraged them towards the kitchen. James followed his friends. As much as he wanted to help them, take care of them, he didn't know how. He was just a boy, who didn't know the true colours of the cruel world outside warm Potters residence or safe Hogwarts. He did not know how to handle this situation. All he knew was that he wanted to protect them so badly. He wanted to make sure that these two boys were safe. After the meal, James walked up the stairs with them, showing them their new bedroom.

"Dad must have used enlarging spell on the bed. Hope it fits us all." He said looking at his bed that was bigger than he expected. "Feel free to use any of my clothes you find in the closet."

"Come on Padfoot. Make yourself at home And Regulus you too. I am here" he looked at Sirius and Regulus.

Sirius jumped to hug his best friend. " Thank You, James" he whispered." You have no idea how much this means to us"

" And you have no idea how much YOU mean to me"

" Thank You " Regulus mouthed from behind Sirius.

" Now, throw some pyjamas on. I am tired. Need some sleep " the messy haired boy said as he climbed into his bed.

Within next few minutes Sirius and Regulus had changed into James' clothes. Sirius being shorter than James but almost same size of torso , his clothes fit the other boy, but only the pants and sleeves were long. However, despite being the youngest, Regulus was taller than both of them but skinny. The clothes were baggy on him. But the pants didn't even reach his ankle.

"We will go for clothes shopping tomorrow or later. Now just sleep. You need rest" James tapped either side of the bed as he laid in the middle.

The boys climbed onto the bed and closed their eyes. As restless as their mind was, their body was extremely exhausted, forcing them into sleep. James fell asleep as well, knowing that Sirius and Regulus felt safe at his- their home. Yes, he knew that now this is their home too. The home both of these boys will be showered with unconditional love.