Gryffindor Black brothers

Chapter 43

Once the train came to a halt in kings cross, the group of gryffindors and two ravenclaws remained seated. 

"What is going to happen tomorrow Regulus?" Lily asked 

"I get punished," Regulus replies 

"What!?!" James exclaims

"That's what happens James," Regulus gave a slight shrug, as if it were the most natural answer in the world. His calm demeanor didn't ease the shock on the faces of his friends.

"Punished for what exactly?" Dorcas pressed, her eyes narrowing with concern.

"For... not being as 'committed' as I should be," Regulus replied, keeping his gaze fixed on the window. "Or, at least, that's what my family and their... associates think."

Sirius clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "They think they can just... punish you, like that? Over their twisted ideas of loyalty?"

Regulus offered a half-smile, but his eyes were tired. "That's the Black way, isn't it?" He paused, sighing. "They believe loyalty is something you control with fear. You should know that by now, Sirius."

There was a silence among them, heavy with unspoken fears and frustrations. Mary, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "Regulus, you don't have to go back. You know that, right?"

His eyes softened as he looked at her. "I wish it were that simple. But I can't disappear — not yet. There's... too much at stake."

James leaned forward, determination in his gaze. "Then let us help. There's got to be a way to keep you safe, to get you out of this."

Regulus's shoulders relaxed slightly, but he shook his head. "I appreciate it, but it's more complicated than that. The best thing you all can do is act like you don't know anything about this. I don't want any of you involved, not in a way that'll get you in trouble."

"But we're already involved," Lily insisted, crossing her arms. "You're our friend. We're not just going to sit back and watch you face... whatever this is alone."

Regulus gave them a small, sad smile. "Thank you. Really. But this is just how it is for me right now. Just... keep your distance from my family. If they get even a hint that any of you know anything..." He trailed off, his expression shadowed with worry.

The compartment was quiet again, the reality of Regulus's situation settling in, uncomfortably close. It was James who finally broke the silence, his voice low but resolute.

"Well, just so you know, mate, if you ever need anything — and I mean anything — we'll be there. Whether you like it or not."

Regulus allowed himself a slight chuckle, the tension breaking for just a moment. "Noted, Potter. Noted."

Then the group made their way of the train. Waiting on the platform was Kreacher ready to take Regulus home. 

"This is where, I leave you guys. I'll try to write to James and Sirius, they can tell you everything that happened," Regulus says 

"Be careful Regulus," Sirius says.

"When am I not?" Regulus grins back 

Sirius laughs but lets his younger brother leave with the house elf. 

As Regulus apperared in the hallway at Grimmauld place he sighed. These two weeks were going to be long and its going to be a pain.

"Kreacher," Regulus says turning to the house elf as his trunk was sent to his room "Do mother and father need me before dinner?" 

"No master Regulus," Kreacher replies "They said you have to have dinner in your room." 

"Thank you kreacher," Regulus says walking into his room