Saving the Sun

-1-

To James' surprise, there was Sirius Black standing at the door. Sirius looked rough to be quite frank. His hair was unruly, and there were bruises forming on the side of his face, but he looked relieved to see James open the door.

James immediately threw his arms around him in, what was supposed to be, a comforting hug. Sirius dropped the trunk he was holding and wrapped one arm around James. Seconds later James noticed how only one arm was around him and pulled back to see Sirius' other arm clutching onto the hand of Regulus Black. Observing their hands, it was pretty apparent neither wanted to let go. Both of their hands' knuckles were white with the effort that they both were putting in as if they were afraid that the other would disappear.

James didn't know how he should interact with Regulus. He didn't know him very well, as at school Regulus didn't even interact with his brother. He settled for giving him a meaningful glance. For a moment James froze not knowing what to do. His heart was racing, and he became nervous since he didn't know what he was supposed to do at this moment.

James stepped back into the house and opened the door wider, "Um, come on in. Do you need anything? I mean, obviously, you do, but I think you know what I mean," he picked at his nails as he said this, needing to do something with his hands.

"Mate, you're good. I just think it's time to take your and your parents' offer on letting me live here. Also, where are your parents?" Sirius said with a small sad smile on his face.

"Well, actually they left this morning. My dad had a work emergency, so they won't be home for a while," he gave a nervous laugh, "I was actually just about to write you a letter about it."

"Oh," Sirius seemed somewhat disappointed, "So you're here alone?"

"Yeah, it's been a pretty boring day, but it's ok," he gave him a smile, "Sirius you know where your room is, but Regulus do you want to stay with your brother, or I can show you to one of the other rooms?"

With that Regulus looked at his brother, not sure what he should do. Sirius wasn't much help as all he did was shrug at him. So Regulus thought for a moment, noticing James' nerves, and wondered if it was because he was there. He eventually landed on the idea that he would like to still have space from his brother and decided that he would like his own room.

After a few more awkward exchanges between James and Regulus, Regulus found himself following James upstairs and down a long hallway with a bunch of different rooms. James pointed out where the bathrooms were and which room was his own as well as Sirius'. Eventually, they ended up in a room that was right next to James'.

"So this is where you can stay. This is the only room that I know no other guests regularly stay in, that way you don't have to worry about anyone coming into your room if other people come over," with that James turned to leave, "I'll give you some time to settle in," as he started to walk out, Regulus caught his arm, making him jump.

"Thank you. I really appreciate you letting me stay," Regulus said while looking at James intently, which made James feel even more nervous.

"Of course, I would do anything for my friends," without another word James left the room, and Regulus' arm fell back down to his side, not knowing what to do.

James was originally going to go back down to the kitchen where he was before but decided to stop by and check on Sirius. He took a few breaths to calm himself down, and then knocked on Sirius' bedroom door. He didn't bother waiting for a response and just walked into the room. As he walked in he saw Sirius just sitting there on his bed staring at the floor.

"Hey Sirius, how are you doing?" James sat down next to him, he didn't want to upset Sirus, but he wanted to be there for his friend. However, to his surprise, Sirius smiled.