Mine to Protect

Chapter 4: Secrets Revealed

The following weekend, the Potters hosted another gathering, this time inviting more of their family friends, including the Lupins, Pettigrews, and the Blacks. The tension between Sirius and his parents was even more pronounced than before, and it wasn't long before an argument broke out.

"Why can't you be more like Regulus?" Walburga snapped at Sirius, her voice dripping with disdain. "He understands the importance of our bloodline, our traditions. But you—you disgrace us at every turn."

Sirius's eyes blazed with anger. "Maybe because I don't buy into your pure-blood nonsense! Maybe because I refuse to be a pawn in your sick games!"

Orion, standing beside Walburga, looked ready to explode. "Watch your mouth, boy. You forget your place."

"Or maybe I just don't care," Sirius shot back, his voice shaking with fury.

Regulus, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Sirius, stop."

Sirius turned on his brother, his expression one of betrayal. "You're really going to side with them? After everything they've done?"

Regulus's face was unreadable, but his eyes were filled with pain. "It's not that simple."

Aurora, watching from the sidelines, felt a pang of sympathy for Regulus. She could see how much this was tearing him apart—how he was being forced to choose between his family and his own beliefs.

Later that evening, after most of the guests had left, Aurora found Regulus alone in the library, staring into the fire. She hesitated at the door, unsure whether to approach him, but something compelled her to step inside.

"Regulus," she said softly, and he looked up, surprised to see her.

"Aurora," he replied, his voice tired. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," she said, sitting down beside him. "You looked like you could use some company."

Regulus didn't respond immediately, his gaze returning to the fire. "You shouldn't be here."

"Why not?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light.

"Because being around me isn't safe," he said quietly. "Not for you."

Aurora frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Regulus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There are things happening, Aurora—things that you don't understand. My family—they're involved in something dark, something that could put you and your family in danger."

Aurora's heart raced. "Are you threatening me?"

"No," he said quickly, his voice filled with regret. "I would never hurt you. I'm trying to protect you."

"Protect me from what?" she demanded, her voice rising.

Regulus hesitated, his expression conflicted. "From the choices I've made. From the path I've chosen."

Aurora stared at him, trying to make sense of his words. "You're scaring me, Regulus."

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "But you have to trust me, Aurora. This is the only way I can keep you safe."

Aurora closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch and the cold reality of his words clash within her. "I don't want you to become like them, Regulus. You're better than that."

"I know," he whispered, "but sometimes, we don't have a choice."

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A/N

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