Mine to Protect

Chapter 2: Family Ties

The weekend after the match, the Potters hosted a dinner at their manor, inviting both old family friends and some of the Hogwarts staff. The atmosphere was warm and filled with laughter as Euphemia and Fleamont Potter entertained their guests. Among them were the Blacks, including Sirius and Regulus, along with their parents, Walburga and Orion Black.

Aurora tried to avoid Regulus's gaze throughout the evening, but it was difficult. Sirius had positioned himself at the center of the room, regaling the guests with tales of his latest exploits, much to Walburga's disapproval.

"Sirius, must you always make a spectacle of yourself?" Walburga snapped, her sharp eyes narrowing at her eldest son. "You bring nothing but shame to our family."

Sirius grinned, unfazed by her harsh words. "Relax, Mother. I'm just telling a story. No harm in that, right, James?"

James, standing next to Sirius, nodded vigorously. "Of course not, Mrs. Black. Sirius is just being Sirius."

Walburga's lips thinned, but she said nothing more. Instead, she turned her icy gaze on Regulus, who stood quietly by his father's side. "Unlike your brother, Regulus understands the importance of our family's reputation."

Regulus remained silent, his expression unreadable. Orion Black, tall and imposing, nodded in approval. "Regulus knows his place. He won't embarrass us."

Aurora watched the interaction with growing unease. The tension between Sirius and his parents was palpable, and she could see how much it affected Regulus, even if he didn't show it. She wondered how much of Regulus's behavior was shaped by the pressure his parents put on him—how much of it was a mask he wore to survive.

After dinner, when the guests had dispersed into smaller groups for conversation, Aurora found herself alone on the terrace, seeking a moment of peace. She leaned against the railing, staring out at the moonlit gardens, lost in thought.

"Aurora."

She jumped, turning to see Regulus standing in the doorway. His face was half-hidden in the shadows, but she could see the tension in his posture.

"What do you want, Regulus?" she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

He stepped closer, his gaze intense. "You need to be careful."

Aurora frowned. "Careful? What are you talking about?"

Regulus looked around, as if to ensure no one else was listening. "There are things happening that you don't know about—things that could put you and your family in danger."

Aurora's heart skipped a beat. "Are you threatening me?"

"No," he said quickly, his voice softening. "I'm warning you. My parents—they're involved in something dark, something that's bigger than all of us. And if you're not careful, you could get caught in the crossfire."

Aurora stared at him, trying to make sense of his words. "Why are you telling me this? Why do you care?"

Regulus hesitated, his expression conflicted. "Because... you don't deserve to be dragged into this. You're not like them."

Before she could respond, Sirius appeared in the doorway, a suspicious look on his face. "What's going on here?"

Regulus stepped back, his mask slipping back into place. "Nothing. I was just leaving."

As he walked away, Sirius watched him with narrowed eyes. "Stay away from him, Aurora. He's not to be trusted."

Aurora nodded, but inside, she was more confused than ever. Regulus's warning echoed in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was trying to protect her from.

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A/N

So this is second chapter