Love & Scars

Grimmauld

The moment Izzie stepped into Grimmauld place, she felt a shiver run down her spine and she didn't seem like she could warm up. Walburga and Orion were their icy, regal selves.

"Miss Miller." Orion Black started grimly, she tried not to flinch at the name. "I appreciate your punctuality."

"Of course, Mr Black. I wouldn't disrespect you after welcoming me to stay here." Izzie bowed her head slightly.

"Let's send your trunk to your room." Walburga at least tried to offer a strained smile as she waved her wand. Her trunk disappeared up the dark steps. "Regulus is in the library. Why don't you to get reacquainted and Kreacher will get you when lunch is ready."

"Thank you." She offered them a smile as they let her pass. She wanted to run to the library, to get to the one thing that made her feel safe and warm in this house, but she steadied her pace. She didn't want the Blacks to know how she was feeling. She turned the knob of the door; the door wasn't even fully open when Regulus crashed into her.

"Isabelle." He whispered as he hugged her tight.

She breathed in his familiar scent, feeling the curls on her cheek. "Oh, Reg. I can't believe you live in this house. I'm here for mere minutes and it feels like bugs are crawling over my skin."

"You get used to it." He said grimly as he pulled back. "How are you?" He asked as he tugged her in the library before closing the door behind them.

"Good. Lily's parents surprised us with a trip to Spain. We arrived back last night."

"Oh, that's why you are so tan." A ghost of a smile appeared on his face. They sat down on the couch in front of the fireplace.

"What about you?" Izzie frowned as she looked at the anxious teenager.

"Okay, been trying to keep a low profile around the house. Father is usually gone before breakfast, just like mum. Been mostly me and Kreacher, so that's good. You being here... it's giving me mixed feelings."

"How so?"

"I'm so, so happy that you are here. That I have you as company this summer. But I also hate it. I hate that you are forced to live in this dark place, with my parents. That they are still fixed on marrying us off as soon as possible. I hate that you're stuck in this because of me."

"Hey." She cupped his cheek, leaning forward to catch his eye. "I would do anything for you. Even if you push me away, drag me out screaming, I will still come back. I will still marry you if that means you won't get hurt."

"Isabelle..."

"No, I won't hear another word of it, you hear me? You are my brother, and I love you. You're not getting rid of me." She took the envelop from Remus out of her pocket before he could respond. "Your boyfriend asked me to give this to you." She whispered with a grin. She watched how his eyes lit up and the corners of his lips twitched up. He was beaming, it made her think of Sirius. You love him. She thought to herself, even though she wanted to scream at him. But she knew he wasn't the most open person about his feelings. Just as she stood up, wanting to give him some privacy, her whole body warmed up. Sirius.

" I'll give you some privacy." Izzie said as she walked over to the other side of the library and took an old grey dusty armchair near the window. Regulus just hummed in reply as his fingers skimmed the envelop. With a smile, she took the twin book from her bag and flipped it open.

My dear little Charmer,

You nearly gave me a heart attack when I read the first ritual, I really thought you had gone over to the dark side. But I did as you told me, the book is only for me to read. You magic, it felt amazing. I felt my whole body warm up. It felt like --- no, I'm not going to say that, it's too sappy. This book – along with those fire messages are brilliant, just like you. I can't, but really I can, believe that you invented this.