𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏 ♡ Sirius Black

CH 8 - Regulus

December 1980

It's past one o'clock in the morning on Christmas Day when I'm jolted awake by a sudden knocking at my front door.

Sirius moved out almost a month ago, following yet another argument which ended with him giving me an ultimatum: either we marry or we break up.

He had packed a bag and Apparated away from the flat five minutes later, and I haven't seen him since. He has avoided all places we could meet up, even being a no-show at the Order's meetings, where I have tried to cover up his disappearance by feigning an illness.

Another loud knock echoes through the flat. My heart pounds in my chest as I tiptoe towards the entrance, wand at the ready, half-expecting it to be Death Eaters.

Although I doubt they would knock before an attack.

Cautiously, I peer through the peephole and feel my breath catch in my throat. On the other side of the door, swaying slightly, is the all-too-familiar figure of Sirius.

"I know you're there, please open the door," he says, leaning his forehead against the doorframe.

I hesitate for a moment, our tumultuous breakup is still fresh in my mind, and I can't think of any good reason why he would be outside my flat in the middle of the night.

My hand moves down to unlock the door, but I stop myself at the last second, remembering Moody's instructions. "How do I know it's you and not an imposter?"

Sirius sighs heavily, and for a moment, I wonder if he's going to simply give up and leave. But then, his voice rings out.

"You've a heart-shaped birthmark on your right foot, your favourite song is 'Starman' even though you tell everyone it's 'Gimme Shelter' and you bake when you're stressed or sad. My favourites are your butterbeer cookies."

I suck in a sharp breath. Only Sirius would know those intimate details about me. My hand continues to hover over the doorknob for a few seconds. "Ask me."

"Ellie, I... please let me in."

"Ask me your safety question, Sirius," I repeat.

He's silent for a moment, and I can picture him running his hand through his hair in frustration.

"The question, Sirius," I insist. "You know I have to be sure it's really you."

Another sigh, this one laced with resignation. "When was the first time we kissed?"

I feel a small smile tug at the corners of my mouth despite myself. "At Lily's house over Easter," I reply, the memory of that day flooding back.

It was a simpler time. A happier time.

Without another word, I turn the lock and pull the door open. Sirius stands on the other side, he looks like he hasn't slept in days and his hair has grown to below his shoulders.

"What are you doing here?" I whisper, my voice thick with concern.

He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, his gaze downcast. "I... I didn't know where else to go."

"Come in," I say gently, stepping aside to let him pass.

He stumbles past me into the flat, the stench of alcohol on his breath stinging my nose.

"I needed to see you," he slurs, his gaze unfocused. "I... I need to talk to you."

I close the door, making sure to lock it and place a protective spell. "What's going on?"

He turns to face me, and I'm struck by the anguish etched across his features. "Regulus is dead, Ellie," he croaks, his voice breaking. "My brother... he's been dead for a year, and I never even knew."