Sirius Expelled

Sirius Expelled Part 18

TW: torture and violence (cruciatus curse)
In the morning, Sirius woke up on the floor. His body was aching in pain as he forced himself to stand. His heart was heavy, weighing him down but he tried to push it away. There was no time to mourn. The sun was not yet up but he knew that he had to get going. After quickly cleaning and bandaging up his arm that was caked with blood and changing into clean clothes, he grabbed his letter from his desk, along with all the notes and drawing he'd been collecting of the plans that Voldemort had. He sealed it and stuffed it in his pocket, his heart pounding with hope. The plan would work. The marauders would get his letter. They would come save him.

Sirius knew he shouldn't believe in false hope but he couldn't stop himself. James, Remus and Peter were always there for him. They would come because it was him, Sirius. He was still their friend, right?

Regulus's trunk was set next to the front door in preparation. Looking around, Sirius popped one of the latches open. It let out a ping as metal collided with metal and Sirius winced, looking around in terror, his heart pumping in adrenaline. After a minute, nobody came and Sirius was brave enough to open the next latch, praying that his mother or father wouldn't come down. Careful to not uproot any of Regulus's belongings, Sirius slid the letter underneath one of Regulus's books. When his brother found it, he would know to give it to James or Remus or somebody. He would do it; he had to. Sirius silently shut Regulus's trunk and began to sneak back to his room.

"Master Black?"

Sirius nearly jumped out of his skin, a few steps up the stairs, as Kreacher looked at him with narrowed eyes. The elf was cooking breakfast and had heard him, coming out of the kitchen and seeing Sirius.

"What is you doing so early in the morning?" Kreacher asked, suspiciously.

"Nothing." Sirius responded, letting his face fall into a cool mask with an uncaring expression.

"Young Master Black was surely not thinking of running away." Kreacher continued, making Sirius's heart flutter with nerves. "Because Mistress Black's wards will hold strong. Young Master Black will never leave."

"No, never. Go back to making breakfast." Sirius commanded and the elf bowed and nodded, although looking at him sternly.

Sirius crept up the stairs and back to his room, praying that Kreacher wouldn't tell his mother. Once he was free, Sirius tried to go back to sleep. However, his heart was pounding too hard. His mind kept wandering back to Andromeda. What was going to happen to her? Would there be a funeral? Who would go? Not him of course. Had her body been found? What did the muggles think of the scene that the Black's had left behind?

The questions ran circles around Sirius's mind for nearly an hour before he pulled himself out of bed. He couldn't take it any longer. Something inside his heart was pounding too fast. There was too much stress, too much panic, too much fear. There was no way he could sit around and wait. Instead, he went to Regulus's room, gently knocking on the door before entering.

"Hi Reg," he said softly, shaking his brother's shoulder to wake him.

Regulus opened his eyes and flinched in panic for a moment, before settling. He was still on edge from last night. Pushing away his uncomfortable thoughts, he smiled at Sirius.

"I'm free." he said with a smile before realizing his words. "Oh. I-I'm sorry, Siri."

It was too late. The words had already left his mouth. Both boys knew Sirius wouldn't be going again but it still hurt to hear aloud. Sirius bit his lip, trying not to look upset about it, although it left his heart aching and stinging with regret. Pushing away his feelings, he gave Regulus a comforting grin.