The Marauders - Noble House of Black

Chapter Four - Life On Mars

Later on Sirius and Regulus lay on Sirius' bed, there's a noticeable cut on Sirius' brow as bruises form around his cheekbone. David Bowie's Hunky Dory plays in the background once again, filling the air creating a bubble for the two brothers.

'It was brilliant Reg, we were running down the halls with stink bombs and Peter, the shy one, fell under his laces and bust his lip on the ground'

Sirius talks animatedly looking to his ceiling as though star gazing, a wide smile covering his face, hands moving widely in strange motions. Regulus lays on his back, but facing Sirius.

'And we get to choose where we sit so me, James - he's the potters kid, Remus and Peter all sit at the back and plan pranks'

This is what Regulus missed, the life in Sirius' voice. The house was so empty of life when he went away, it felt like the sun hitting that warm spot on the floor, creating a pool of heat to sleep in.

'And obviously mother would hate them, all the best though really. Wouldn't want Orion and Walburga junior. God they're brilliant Reg. You'll love them'

Regulus' eyes glaze over, imagining how these boys might look, sound, feel like. Are they full of life like Sirius? Do their parents cringe at the sight of them? With fear in his voice, shy, slow and quiet Regulus asks

'Will they like me Sirius?'

Without a beat Sirius turns to Regulus, eyes sparkling as though Regulus had asked him the most ridiculous question. Winking back to his younger brother.

'I've got a bed for you in the dorm ready'

The two brothers smile at one another, Sirius getting up forcing Regulus up, laughing, to dance as brothers, but mostly as best friends. There is so much happiness and life, they are together and it's all going to be okay again. Regulus doesn't even have time to think about Sirius leaving.