The Waiting Game▬RL 1

Blood Traitor

Renee followed Severus Snape down the halls of Hogwarts, her feet felt like lead. The boy didn't seem to mind much. He just kept talking, raving on about potions he practiced during the summer. At least he didn't bring up his 'blood supremacy' way of thinking or her brother. The girl found herself taking in some of the information he was spouting. This was usually how their patrolling went. Potter couldn't help but think about how Lily and Remus were during their rounds. They probably laughed, talked about books, and were likely just comfortable with each other. And although so far Renee had not been threatened by the Slytherin she still gripped the enchanted mirror in her pocket. Sirius had made a set for them just in case something was to go awry. He was just one call away.

✿

Matthew launched himself forward, pushing Regulus Black to the ground. Everyone on the Dark Lord's side knew about his liking for the Potter girl. And Regulus had had it with the Ravenclaw. Ever since the Dark Lord spoke with him during the summer he had been acting like a prat. Bragging about living in the same house and earning the dark mark. Maybe he was wrong to say the next few words but he couldn't help it. They just came out.

Renee ran towards the commotion, Severus following apprehensively behind her. "What are you doing out of your common rooms? It is two hours past curfew." She demanded, helping the younger Black to his feet. He looked at her in disgust and walked towards the Slytherin house. "Black! I asked a question." He peered at her over his shoulder.

"Oh, go fuck his brother again Blood Traitor." Renee's head snapped to face the person she had been waiting to talk to all September. "We all know Potter. And soon everyone will so leave." Wilson's face showed no mercy for the person he once cared so much about. While his heart ached. "I bet you slept with all three of your brothers' friends by now, whore." His body towered over her. But she was too stunned to move.

"That's enough Wilson, back off." Snape pushed the boy away, tearing Renee out of her trance. She turned on her heel, running as far as she could before she fell to the ground. The mirror's handle was gripped tightly in her hand as she called for him.

✿

James heard a muffled sobbing coming from Sirius' drawer and looked around. He had desperately hoped this wasn't something dirty. Sirius was in the shower, so he slowly pulled open the drawer. One eye closed, head turned away from the object. Once he saw it, he picked it up curiously. James then realized whose sobs he was hearing and jumped to his bed for the map. "Ren?" Potter called out to the crumpled-up girl. Her body curled in on itself as she cried loudly. He was surprised that none of the portraits called Dumbledore or McGonagall on her. "Renny, I'm here." He gradually lifted her upper body as he sat next to her. The Hufflepuff leant against her brother in support. "Right, let's get you to my dorm."

✿

Sirius Black was very puzzled to find the mirror missing from his open drawer, that was until James and Renee came stumbling into the dorm. He jumped into action, helping James lower her onto his bed. The girl made eye contact with him before uttering the name. "Regulus..." The older boy's face paled and he felt sick. His eyes went to James as if asking permission from Renee.

"James, I think we need to tell you something."

James Potter slumped over, not knowing how to respond. He was mad. His best friend—no his brother... His brother snogged his sister all summer behind his back. No, that's not right. Brothers and sisters don't snog. "Family doesn't snog." Was all he could muster to say. During the winter last year, Renee had said that Sirius was family. James was very confused and conflicted.

"Tell that to my whole bloodline." Sirius jokes, not reading the room.

"So... how did Regulus know?" He asked hesitantly, not knowing if he wanted to be enlightened.

"Renee was upset about the Prefect meeting on the train and we talked... in the bathroom. Reggie was waiting outside." Black saved Potter the details, he didn't think he'd like them too much.

"Who else knows?" Both boys looked towards the girl who had tear-stained cheeks.

"Mat—Wilson, Snape, and probably the whole school tomorrow." She breathed out deeply as the door opened to reveal Remus and Peter. They had their arms filled with snacks from the kitchens.

"Oi Renny, you should've joined us downstairs. These aren't nearly as good as your pasta." Remus elbowed Pettigrew who finally looked at the group. His mouth closed tightly with House elf-made dumplings stuffed inside.

"What's going on?" Lupin asked, trying to fill the uncomfortable silence.

"Wilson called Ren a very rude and degrading word and now we're trying to figure out what to do." Sirius pulled out a cig, offering one to the group, who all declined. Remus was going to find out and Sirius was not ready for that. He exited the room quickly, deciding to smoke somewhere else.

"Wilson?" Peter asked no one in particular. "What did he call you Renny?"

"A Blood Traitor and a whore." She muttered, feeling too much attention on her. James just looked at his hands. He didn't know how to fix this situation. He knew his sister didn't deserve this, but he was also betrayed by them.

"Oh... can I ask why or is that something you don't want to talk about?" Peter handed her a cookie and she nibbled on it carefully.

"She and Padfoot have been snogging since we got out of school," James admitted, looking to Remus for his response. The boy just nodded slowly, now connecting the dots.

"Are you two together then?" Pete just wanted to understand, but it was making everyone annoyed. Renee went to open her mouth, but it closed.

"Of course not. Renee doesn't like labels. Neither does Pads. The perfect non-couple." The werewolf left the room to find Sirius. Renee just lowered her head.

"You'll be okay Ren. This won't be that bad. I'm always here for you. So is Peter and Sirius. Remus might need some space though." Peter reached his bowl toward the girl, offering her the last dumpling.

"Thank you." She took it gratefully. Then turned her head to her brother. "I am sorry, Jamie. It wasn't supposed to come to school with us. We were just passing time."

"I know, Renny."