Y/N's thoughts swirled as she walked through the castle corridors, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. She couldn't stop thinking about Regulus, the haunted look in his eyes when he spoke of his family and the dark path they wanted him to follow. She knew she had to do something—anything—to help him. But what could she do against the power and influence of the House of Black?
She paused, leaning against a cold stone wall, and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. *Think, Y/N,* she told herself. *Think.*
Regulus needed someone who understood him—someone who had been where he was now and had chosen a different path. Someone who knew what it was like to grow up in that dark, oppressive house... *Sirius.*
Y/N's eyes flew open as the idea hit her. Sirius. Regulus's older brother had escaped the clutches of their family and found a new life with the Potters. If anyone could help Regulus, it was him.
But getting Regulus to talk to Sirius was easier said than done. The brothers had barely spoken since Sirius had left home, their relationship strained to the breaking point. Still, Y/N was determined to try.
---
Later that evening, Y/N found Regulus in the library, sitting alone at a table near the back, surrounded by books. His expression was distant, his mind clearly elsewhere. Y/N approached cautiously, not wanting to startle him.
"Regulus," she said softly, sliding into the chair across from him. He looked up, his expression softening slightly when he saw her.
"Y/N," he greeted, his voice quieter than usual. "What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you," she admitted. "I've been thinking... about what you said the other night."
Regulus tensed, his eyes darting around the room as if checking for eavesdroppers. "Y/N, I told you, it's dangerous to get involved—"
"I know," she interrupted, leaning in closer. "But I have an idea. Someone who might be able to help you."
Regulus frowned, his curiosity piqued despite himself. "Who?"
Y/N took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "Sirius."
Regulus's expression darkened immediately, and he shook his head. "No. Absolutely not. I'm not talking to him."
"Hear me out," Y/N pressed gently. "He's been where you are, Regulus. He grew up in that house. He knows what it's like... and he found a way out."
"He abandoned me," Regulus muttered, his voice filled with bitterness. "He left me there alone to deal with our parents and all their expectations. He doesn't care about me."
Y/N reached across the table, her hand resting on his. "I think he does care, more than you realize. But he didn't know how to help you back then. Maybe now he does."
Regulus stared down at their hands, his jaw tight. "Why would he want to help me now?"
"Because you're his brother," Y/N replied softly. "Because he's probably been hoping for a chance to make things right between you. And because he knows what it's like to feel trapped."
Regulus's eyes flickered with something like hope, quickly hidden behind a mask of skepticism. "What makes you so sure he'll even listen?"
"I'll talk to him," Y/N offered. "I'll make him understand how important this is. But I can't do it without you, Regulus. You need to take the first step."
Regulus was silent for a long moment, his expression conflicted. Y/N could see the battle raging within him, the pull between pride and desperation. Finally, he sighed. "Alright," he said quietly. "I'll... think about it."
Y/N smiled, a glimmer of relief washing over her. "That's all I ask."
---
**The following day...**
Y/N found Sirius lounging in the Gryffindor common room, his feet propped up on a table as he laughed with James. When he saw her approaching, his smile faded slightly, noticing the serious look on her face.
"Hey, Y/N," Sirius greeted. "Everything alright?"
"I need to talk to you," Y/N said, her voice firm. "About Regulus."
Sirius's expression darkened, but he nodded, setting his feet on the ground and gesturing for her to sit. "Alright," he said cautiously. "What about him?"
Y/N took a deep breath. "He needs your help, Sirius. He's struggling with the same things you did—the expectations, the pressure. He wants out, but he doesn't know how."
Sirius's face softened, but his tone remained guarded. "And he sent you to talk to me? Why didn't he come himself?"
"He's scared," Y/N admitted. "Scared you'll reject him. That you still hate him for staying behind."
Sirius's shoulders slumped slightly, a sigh escaping his lips. "I don't hate him, Y/N. I never did. I just... I didn't know how to help him. I thought... maybe leaving would give him the courage to follow. But he didn't."
"He needs you now," Y/N pressed. "He needs to know there's a way out, that there's a life beyond the House of Black. He needs his brother."
Sirius was silent for a moment, staring at the flickering flames in the common room's fireplace. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. I'll talk to him. But it has to be his choice. He has to come to me."
Y/N nodded, feeling a sense of hope bloom in her chest. "I think he will," she said softly. "Thank you, Sirius."
---
**That evening...**
Y/N met Regulus in their usual spot by the courtyard, her heart pounding in her chest. "I spoke to Sirius," she said without preamble. "He's willing to help, Regulus. But you have to go to him."
Regulus looked torn, his brow furrowing in thought. "I don't know if I can... if I should."
Y/N took a step closer, her voice gentle but firm. "He's your brother, Regulus. He understands what you're going through. He can give you advice, a way to leave, to escape... to find a different path. But you have to trust him, just a little."
Regulus hesitated, his eyes searching hers. "What if he turns me away?"
"He won't," Y/N promised. "He wants to help you. But you have to be brave enough to ask."
Regulus took a deep breath, his hand reaching out to clasp hers tightly. "Alright," he whispered. "I'll do it. I'll talk to him."
Y/N's smile was radiant, and she squeezed his hand. "I'll be right here with you, every step of the way."
As they turned to make their way towards the Gryffindor Tower, Regulus felt a mix of fear and anticipation swirling inside him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he wasn't completely alone. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for him after all.
