Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

We're So Sorry, Uncle Alphard

TW: Child Abuse; Physical Abuse; Mention of Self-Harm

Flying up the stairs to Sirius, I fling myself downwards and onto the step where he's sat, my arms wrapping protectively around him. I don't ask what was wrong, or why he's crying, here, of all places, in the middle of the night. I don't say anything at all, but rather hope my embrace might speak for itself:

You are not alone

Whatever's wrong -

Whatever's happened -

I'm here for you.

For you, with you.

As I continue to hold my friend, I feel his body shake against mine, his anguished sobs now muffled in my shoulder as he clings desperately to me.

We sit together like this for Merlin knows how long, my palm tracing light paths on his shoulder as his crying fluctuates from fitful weeping to more subdued whimpers.

Finally, he cries himself dry and falls quiet. But still I say nothing. I just continue to hold him tightly against me, listening to the sound of his breathing as he lays his head on my shoulder. Eventually, puncturing the silence, he whispers a single name into my now tear-soaked jumper, "... Alphard."

Oh, Sirius.

I don't need to ask for clarification. I understand immediately.

Though I've no idea who Alphard is beyond a mere name.

I still don't even know why he requested to meet with Sirius all those months ago.

But based off the way he whispers the name, I know exactly what's happened:

Alphard's passed.

No mistaking the grief in my friend's voice.

"Pads, I'm so sorry -"

"Alphard ..."

"I know."

But I don't know.

I don't know anything.

... It's just what people say in such situations.

Tipping my head down towards him, I murmur softly into his long black hair, "Here ... come, yes?"

A squeeze of his shoulder, as I begin rising to my feet, guiding him upwards with me, "Come."

But instead of ascending the stairs to the common room, I begin leading him downwards.

... It's three in the morning, but that doesn't matter to me.

And I'm guessing you feel the same ...

And so, with my arm thrown protectively around his waist, Sirius and I descend the stairs together and slip out of the tower.

Out of the tower, out of the castle, and into the darkness of the night.

It's an unseasonably warm night, and a light breeze tickles at our faces as we stride across the grounds in silence.

And as to our destination ...

Who knows?

Who cares?

Not us.

We're just moving, and perhaps that's enough.

We continue along seemingly mindlessly, our feet leading us blindly forward as we move together, my arm slipping off his side, my hand finding his and squeezing it tightly.