𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓻𝔂 𝓹𝓸𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼

21: sibling hatred - regulus black pt2

Y/n leaned back in the armchair she was sitting in. The library was pretty crowded for a Saturday, but the OWLs were coming up, making the seven graders giddy with nerves. Regulus were sitting opposite of her, reading 'a history of magic' by Bathilda Bagshot as proffesor Binns had announced that there would be a grand test before the term ended.

A bit annoying but unavoidable nevertheless, a lot of studying was needed. Y/n had finished the blasted book, now working on a summary, writing down the most important parts of magical history.

A loud laugh was herd from a group of seven graders, though the person was quickly hushed by Madam Pince, the librarian of Hogwarts. It was no other than Sirius Black who had let out the laugh after almost setting fire to Remus Lupins essay. Though no one else seemed to find it funny, certainly not Remus who glared daggers at the dark haired boy. Y/n had expected to hear a laugh from James. He and Sirius shared the same sense of humor and always seemed to laugh together.

But James weren't laughing, he was leaning back into a chair, looking rather distant as he tried to focus on the book in front of him. Y/n could see that something was bothering him deeply, and she couldn't help but wonder what it could be. She had noticed that James weren't his usual goofy self. Something was weighing down on him.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Regulus who gently grabbed her hand. He was looking at her with caring eyes, he too had noticed that something was off with James. He had actually spoken to Sirius about it, asking why James was so quiet all of a sudden. Sirius had told him that he hadn't noticed this change in his best mate, he also said that Regulus didn't have anything to do with it.

"What bothering you darling?" Regulus asked, placing his book down, giving Y/n all of his attention. He didn't like to see her ponder over something that made her anxious.

"Somethings up with James." She said, placing her quill down on the table.

"I'm sure it's nothing love, he's probably just tired." Regulus said, giving her hand a slight squeeze before letting it go, returning to his book. Y/n nodded, though she weren't so sure.

James certainly didn't deserve her worries, but still after everything he had done to her, she still loved him, he was her brother. She wanted it to go back to how it was before, before Hogwarts. When they were just little kids with big dreams and no worries. When James got back from his first year at Hogwarts, telling Y/n about all that awaited her; the food, the lessons, quidditch! She was so proud to be his sister, wanted to be just like him.

Her heart burst a little as she thought about the once so happy and warm memories that had become so distant and bittersweet. She felt a tear slowly run down her cheek, she wanted her brother back, she wanted his support, hear his laughter and share stories with him.

Regulus heart broke as he saw his love crying, crying over her brother, who didn't deserve her precious tears. He grabbed both her hands in his, smiling comfortably at her, though sadness could be seen behind his eyes.

He too wanted his brother back, even though they were speaking from time to time, it wasn't the same, not like it was before.

Y/n weakly smiled back, grateful for Regulus support. Time passed and soon it was time for dinner, though Y/n wasn't hungry. Regulus tried to make her come, but she was determined to stay behind.

"If you could just bring me some pudding, I'm not very hungry Reg." She finally said, making Regulus sigh and nod before leaving her. She grabbed one of her favourite muggle books, she had received it as a gift many years ago and sadly the person who had given it to her had slipped her mind. It was called 'the picture of Dorian Gray' and the writing was absolutely beautiful. She almost missed the person sitting down opposite of her. As they cleared their throat she quickly looked up, meeting a pair of eyes identical to hers.

James had a soft smile resting on his lips as he watched his little sister.

"I remember when we were little, you loved to read, always had mum's copy of 'Beedle the bard' with you." He said, letting out a soft laugh. "You insisted on reading to me before bed, even though mum and dad had tucked us in."

"And you always let me." Y/n smiled at the warm memory.

"I had to! You threatened to scribble on my broom if I didn't let you!" James laughed, eyes shining for a moment. Y/n let out a soft laugh as well, remembering James' horrified face. Their laughter died down, the crackle from a fireplace along with the humming voices of some students filling the quiet space. "I'm sorry Y/n." He sincerely said, eyes welling with tears. "I've been so cruel to you, no words can explain how ashamed i am of my words and actions." He rubbed his face before looking up at her again. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but i want you to know that i am truly sorry."

Y/n sat still, small tears slipping down her eyes.

"Life is too short to deny forgiveness." She said, making James look up at her. "and i forgive you James, you're my brother."

"Oh I'm so glad to hear that Y/n." He stood up, looking slightly unsure. "Can i hug you?"

Instead of answering Y/n stood up and embraced her brother. He immediately hugged her back, arms wrapped tightly around her body. He felt so relieved when she had forgiven him, a weigh was lifted off his shoulders and he was so happy to have his sister back. Y/n felt at ease as well, she was whole again.