Sirius Expelled

Sirius Expelled Part 16

There was one thing that could always distract Sirius from anything was Regulus. He had one thing to look forward to that summer, and that was Regulus's 16th birthday. Walburga and Orion Black never cared about birthdays. But at Hogwarts, the marauders made everyone's birthday the most special day of the year.

Each birthday was specially planned for the specific marauder. For James it meant waking up and going flying around the quidditch fields before breakfast. Peter prefered sleeping in and having breakfast in bed. Remus had everyone be quiet while he enjoyed losing himself in his new books, with a mug of tea and an assortment of chocolate. And Sirius just wanted attention, to feel like he mattered. There were celebrations, singing happy birthday at every meal and a big prank at night.

Sirius had no idea how to celebrate for Regulus. For him, birthdays were incredibly important for him. But in the Black family, birthdays didn't matter. Every year they went by. Regulus's was always ignored in the summer, while Sirius's never happened at home, and therefore he didn't care. His friends were enough for him. But there was a pang of longing to do something for Regulus's birthday. Maybe it was the marauders's memories that he missed, but he felt a need to do something.

Regulus didn't have many interests. It was part of being a Black. What you enjoyed didn't matter to Walburga and Orion Black. Sirius knew his brother loved Quidditch and was the star seeker for Slytherin. However, Regulus already had top-of-the-line gear, the best broomstick, the newest gloves. But the one thing that Regulus didn't have was something meaningful. Something that Regulus did love, was the stars. Sirius didn't understand how he could love them. For Sirius, the stars were his family and he hated them. But for Regulus, the stars reminded him that he existed, his constellation told him that he had a place. It was something about forgiveness and something along those lines. Sirius didn't really care about it but since it mattered to Regulus, he tried.

Sirius got to work to create his present for his little brother. It was June 24th, 1977, the day before Regulus's 16th birthday. With a decently simple transfiguration spell, Sirius turned a quill into a golden snitch. He made sure not to touch it with his bare hands to prevent the snitch from picking up his fingerprints. After a quick search around Regulus's room, Sirius picked up his brother's fingerprints with a muggle trick of powder and spellotape. Using a few tested charms, Sirius was able to enchant the snitch's interior to cast a holographic screen to the ceiling. The hologram was a deep purple and midnight blue background with shining gold stars scattered across the sky. Sirius made sure to put in as many small, close constellation's as he could. But the main set was in the middle, twinkling and shimmering, nearly smiling at Sirius as they looked down at him. It was the constellation of Leo the Lion. The lion's heart was the largest star in the entire system, it shone so bright that all the other stars seemed dull in comparison. It was the star, Regulus, of course. What else would it be? Looking up at his ceiling, Sirius smiled. It was perfect. Regulus would love it and Sirius had made it himself. All Regulus would have to do was run his fingers over the snitch and the sky would open up, filled with stars.

Sirius's eyes flicked over to the side of the hologram, landing on his own constellation. The warmth flickered in his heart as he stared. The star was his name and it fit him, but it was also a sign of being a Black. The mixed feelings made him sick. He pushed past them for Regulus but he didn't want to. It felt wrong, weird. . However, because it was for Regulus, it was worth it.

The next morning, Sirius woke up to Kreacher knocking at his door. He dressed and headed down the stairs, smiling at his brother.

"Happy Birthday, Regulus." he said quietly as they walked downstairs.

Regulus had a slightly numb look on his face but he gave Sirius a thin smile. There was anxiety on his face as he looked up at his brother.

"Do-do you think she's going to make me take... it?" he asked, addressing the problem on his mind.