Echoes of the Black Manor Part 1

Chapter 2

Beside him, Regulus stood equally tense, his face pale in the faint light. They exchanged a look of understanding, unspoken words passing between them. Something was out there, lurking in the darkness beyond their home’s walls, and whatever it was, it was far from friendly.

"Do you think... do you think we're safe now?" Sirius asked, his voice low and shaky. He couldn't get the sound of those footsteps out of his head, like they were still echoing in his ears.

Regulus frowned, biting his lip as he peered through the small window beside the door. The forest loomed dark and mysterious outside, the shadows shifting as the wind stirred the trees. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't think we should stay near the door."

Sirius nodded, pushing himself away from the door. He was still clutching his wand like a lifeline, his fingers cold and numb. They made their way deeper into the manor, heading for the drawing room where the fire was already crackling softly in the hearth. The warmth of the flames did little to ease the chill that had settled over them.

They sat down on the plush sofa, Sirius immediately pulling his legs up and wrapping his arms around his knees. Regulus sat beside him, staring into the fire, his eyes clouded with worry. The comforting silence of the manor was broken only by the occasional crackling of the fire, yet Sirius couldn't shake the feeling that the noises from the forest had followed them inside.

He turned his head slightly, listening intently. There it was again—a faint rustling, like leaves brushing against the window, followed by a distant snapping sound. His heart skipped a beat, and he looked over at Regulus, who had stiffened, his eyes wide.

"Did you hear that?" Sirius asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Regulus nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the window. The sound came again, this time closer, like footsteps creeping just outside the walls.

"It's like... someone's out there," Regulus said, his voice tense. He stood up, moving cautiously towards the window. Sirius felt a surge of fear, wanting to pull him back, but his own curiosity kept him rooted to the spot.

Regulus peered out into the darkness, his hand resting on the window frame. For a moment, everything was still. Then, suddenly, a dark shape moved past the window, a shadow flitting by so quickly it was almost missed. Regulus jumped back, his heart racing, and Sirius felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead.

"Did you see that?" Regulus said, backing away from the window. Sirius nodded, his throat dry. The shadow had been indistinct, but there was no mistaking that something—or someone—was out there.

Sirius's mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. "What if... what if it followed us from the forest?" he asked, his voice trembling. The thought made his skin crawl, and he tightened his grip on his wand.

Regulus looked at him, his expression serious. "We need to be on our guard," he said. "Whatever it is, we can't let it catch us by surprise." He moved to the fireplace, grabbing a poker and holding it like a weapon.

Sirius nodded, his fear mingling with a sense of resolve. He knew they couldn't let their guard down, not when the darkness outside seemed to be closing in on them. They sat in tense silence, listening to the faint rustling and snapping noises that continued to come from outside.

Every so often, the sound of something brushing against the windows made them jump, their eyes darting towards the source of the noise. It was like the forest was alive, its unseen inhabitants creeping closer, testing the boundaries of the manor's safety. The unease gnawed at their insides, making it impossible to relax.

Hours passed, the fire in the hearth slowly burning down to embers. Yet, the noises continued, and neither Sirius nor Regulus dared to move. They stayed huddled together, their eyes fixed on the windows, waiting for the first sign of danger. Every shadow, every flicker of movement outside made their hearts skip a beat, the fear keeping them on edge.

As the night wore on, exhaustion began to weigh on Sirius, his eyelids growing heavy. He knew he wouldn't sleep, not with the constant fear that something was lurking just outside, but his body ached with tiredness. He glanced over at Regulus, who looked just as worn, his eyes still scanning the darkened windows.

"We should take turns," Sirius suggested, his voice hoarse. "One of us keeps watch while the other rests. Just for a bit."