Break the Cycle

Chapter 4

The house was still, the only sound the soft creak of floorboards as Sirius moved quietly through the dimly lit corridor. The glow of moonlight filtered through the heavy drapes, casting long shadows that seemed to dance along the walls. Sirius’s heart was heavy with worry as he walked towards Regulus’s room, his footsteps soft and deliberate, trying not to disturb the stillness of the night.

He paused outside Regulus’s door, his hand hovering over the handle as he listened to the muffled sounds from within. The faintest whimpering and the occasional low groan told him that Regulus was still struggling, though the worst of the purging seemed to be over. The thought of his brother in such distress tugged at his heart, and he hesitated for a moment before quietly pushing the door open.

Inside, the room was dimly illuminated by a small bedside lamp. Regulus lay in bed, his face flushed and pale, a sheen of sweat making his dark hair stick to his forehead. His breathing was shallow, and he shifted restlessly, his body still recovering from the harsh effects of the potion and the night’s events. The bedclothes were rumpled, and an empty bucket sat by the side of the bed, a reminder of the ordeal he had endured.

Sirius stepped into the room, his eyes taking in the scene with a mixture of concern and helplessness. He moved to the bedside and sat down gently on the edge of the bed, his hand reaching out to brush a damp strand of hair from Regulus’s forehead. Regulus stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open to meet Sirius’s concerned gaze.

“Regulus,” Sirius whispered softly, trying to keep his voice steady. “How are you feeling?”

Regulus’s response was a weak, incoherent murmur, a pained grimace crossing his features. He blinked slowly, as if struggling to focus on his brother’s face. The confusion and exhaustion were evident, and Sirius felt a pang of sadness seeing him so vulnerable.

As Sirius continued to watch over his brother, he heard a faint sound from the door. Orion stood there, his face etched with a deep weariness that spoke of countless sleepless nights and unspoken fears. The sight of his father’s troubled expression made Sirius’s own anxiety spike. He knew that Orion had been through a lot already, and the burden of dealing with Regulus’s condition was clearly taking its toll.

Sirius turned his attention back to his father, his voice barely more than a whisper as he asked, “Dad, what’s happening to him?”

Orion stepped into the room, his gaze shifting from Sirius to Regulus. He took a deep breath, his face tightening with a mix of frustration and sorrow. “He’s suffering from the aftermath of everything he’s done,” Orion explained softly, his voice carrying the weight of experience and regret. “The potion we gave him was meant to purge the toxins from his system—the alcohol and the pills he took. It’s a rough process, but it’s necessary to get him back on track.”

Sirius nodded, though his face was clouded with worry. “But will he be okay? I mean, is this... normal? Will he be like this for long?”

Orion sat down on the other side of the bed, his gaze never leaving Regulus. “It’s normal for him to feel weak and disoriented after the potion. His body is reacting to the sudden withdrawal of the substances he’s been abusing. It’s a harsh and painful process, but it’s part of getting him clean.” He paused, his voice growing softer. “I’ve been through it myself, more times than I care to remember. I know how it feels. It’s not just physical—it’s emotional and mental too. He’s going to need a lot of support to get through this.”

Sirius’s eyes filled with concern as he looked at Regulus, who was now trying to sit up, his movements slow and unsteady. “What can we do to help him? What if he doesn’t want it?”

Orion’s face hardened slightly, a mixture of resolve and weariness. “We keep supporting him, no matter how he reacts. It’s important to be patient and understanding, even when he’s angry or resistant. He’s going through a lot right now, and he needs to know that we’re here for him, even when it’s hard.”

Sirius nodded again, though his worry didn’t dissipate. He reached out to take Regulus’s hand, holding it gently. “I just want to make sure he’s okay. I don’t want him to go through this alone.”

Orion placed a comforting hand on Sirius’s shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. “You’re doing the right thing, Sirius. Being here for him, showing him that he’s not alone—it means more than you can imagine. It’s the first step in helping him heal.”

Regulus looked up at Sirius, his eyes still hazy but filled with a flicker of gratitude. “Thank you,” he managed to murmur, his voice barely audible. “I didn’t know...”

Sirius smiled softly, trying to offer some semblance of comfort despite the heavy atmosphere. “It’s okay, Regulus. We’re going to get through this together. You’re not alone.”

As Orion and Sirius continued to watch over Regulus, the room was filled with an unspoken sense of determination. Despite the challenges ahead, the family was united in their resolve to support Regulus through his darkest moments, ready to face whatever came next together.