Friendship and Affinity (Harry Potter Fanfic)

Friendship and Affinity

"I—what?" Sirius found himself staring at the object that his younger brother was attempting to tie to his arm, although there was an evident struggle to do so. He thought the feminine-colored friendship bracelet—for he was sure that was what it was, was ridiculous and absolutely—

"I think it's adorable," Marlene said, holding up her wrist, making Sirius turn his head away while rubbing the back of his neck while Regulus continued trying to tie the object to his wrist. "Regulus made them."

"He did?"

"And you know how much effort that takes with his left arm still not moving the way it used to," she said, continuing to be her usual cheerful self while accepting Regulus as—well, she just accepted him, whereas others—those he'd dated, wouldn't have.

"Yes," Sirius said, frowning, looking at the friendship bracelets. "Couldn't it have been, you know, different colors, Reg? I'm kind of partial to Gryffindor colors myself."

To which his brother looked up at him. "But," he frowned. "She's not. Might be."

And then came a sigh.

"Ravenclaw?" Marlene said.

"Yes!" Regulus pointed. "Or Huff-puff!"

"Say what?" Sirius said, frowning.

"We're an aunt and uncle, Sirius!" Marlene suddenly proclaimed, holding up the bracelet.

"Say what?"

"When Baby Girl goes," Regulus said. "Then maybe."

"Marlene," Sirius said. "You and I aren't married. We're...."

He cut short at the dirty look from Marlene as she went over to Regulus and took Sirius ' younger brother's face in hers, kissing Regulus on the cheek, with Regulus not reacting as usual. "Congratulations, this sweet little brother of ours. On becoming a daddy!"

"Thanks," Regulus said. He reacted, looking up at Sirius, with those puppy dog eyes.

And Sirius sighed, reaching out to ruffle the black locks of hair he never thought he 'd get to ruffle ever again. "Yeah. Congrats. You've grown up a lot, haven't you."

"Sirius," Marlene shook her head.

"I have?" Regulus said, then nodded his head, quite content with the words of praise from his brother.

Marlene sighed. "Well, it does work, I guess."