Chapter Seventeen: Things Fall Apart

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It seemed that the letters had been the best method of communication for the brothers. For the first time in a while, the pair was able to share random tidbits and feel connected. While they were never a family who said "I love you," they could feel brotherly love through their little interactions.

As time went on, the letters developed from random warnings and sentences to fuller anecdotes about their days. It was almost like summer, but with fewer bruises and interrupting house elves. On this particular day, Sirius found his brother at breakfast to deliver his most recent note.


Haven't heard from you in a while... hope all is well in the snake tower.

I noticed some of the kids in your grade in the Hospital Wing, seems Flying Lessons aren't natural for everybody. At least I taught you when you were young. Maybe you'll even make the Quidditch team next year and we can battle it out on the pitch.

Also, I heard from Dromeda recently. She's alright and she's moved in with that Ted fellow and she seems happy. Hope to hear from you soon!

S

When he found his brother, however, he looked unhappy. Regardless he slipped the note into his hand while his brother hissed, "There are people around."

"Wanna pretend to fight?" Sirius laughed, but the joke fell flat. Regulus pressed his lips into a thin line, not unlike how their mother did and pushed past Sirius to catch up with his friends.

The interaction was weird, especially considering Sirius had not heard from his brother in a few days, as well. He decided to shrug it off though, perhaps the next note from Regulus would provide some answers.

Unfortunately, though, no answer came. After a few days, Sirius had still not received an answer and so he decided to send another note.

Is everything okay? Haven't heard back from you in a while.

S

Sirius was not sure how to get the letter to his brother until he saw him stand up during dinner and exit the hall. Waiting a few moments, Sirius trailed behind him. He saw his brother turn the corner and sped up to avoid losing him.

"Reg!" Sirius shouted, jogging to close the gap.

"What the hell are you doing?" Regulus said, rapidly looking from side to side.

"No one followed me, calm down," Sirius said.

"Okay, well I'm in a rush; I have a meeting with Professor Slughorn," Regulus said, turning to leave.

"Wait!" Sirius said, grabbing his brother's wrist to stop him. "Here." Sirius dumbly handed over the scrap, feeling awkward after the terse interaction. "I'm worried about you," Sirius said, before turning to leave.

Perhaps it was a trick of the ear, but Sirius was sure he heard his brother mumble, "It's not me you should worry about."

Sirius walked back into the Great Hall to meet his friends and felt the piercing gaze of a group of Slytherins. He sent a smirk over to the table which was enough to direct most of their attention back to their food. At his table, his friends had questions. Since the beginning of the letter writing, Sirius decided it was a better decision to not tell anyone about the communication. He did not wanna alert any one of his brother's activities since it was more dangerous for him to be spotted with Sirius than vice versa.

Nothing really came of his note of concern until later that night. The Marauders were leaving dinner when Sirius saw his brother approaching out of the corner of his eye. Sirius casually slowed his steps and watched as his friends slipped out of his sight. When they were far enough away and Sirius and Regulus were far from the commotion of the cafeteria Sirius turned to talk to him.

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