Her Single Rose (Remus Lupin)

Ninety-Four

Dear Regulus

How is your summer goin-

"How is your summer going? Really?" Aries spoke out loud before crumpling what would be her tenth piece of parchment now in the ground of Sirius', well Aries, room.

Though Euphemia and Fleamont had a great sum of money set aside to build up a new room for Aries, the great sum of money they had was from work. This, however, is what they had been preoccupied with throughout the Hogwarts school year. Work. Thus, Sirius' room is temporarily occupied by Aries.

Now that Aries is at the Potters, the family had decided to take a trip to Diagon Alley to find things suitable for Aries new room. This was meant to be a surprise, which lead to Aries now the only one home.

With so much time on her hands, she made herself breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, and cleaned her brother's bedroom, which happened to take more time than the rest. Now exhausted, she decided to reach out to her younger brother, it has been a week since summer began and the only letters she has received are from the girls.

Dear Reggie-

Too personal

Dear Regulus Black-

Too impersonal

Dear Regulus,

I wanted to check in-

Too worried

Aries sighed and put down her quill. Maybe a break was in order.

Aries grabbed a book, leaving her newly cleaned bedroom and heading downstairs towards the back door.

The sun was setting already, the wind blowing a slightly cool breeze. Aries found the rocking chair where she usually found Euphemia and sat down, crossing her legs and sighing.

It was strange and rather serene to be officially living with the Potters. The entire week alone was filled with chaos and excitement and everything Aries never had growing up. It was still startling to wake up to the sun and bright bedroom colors.

It's different, but a good different.

A very good different.

She only wished Regulus was there to enjoy the same. Her heart tugged at the thought of her brother. She could only imagine what Walburga and Orion were putting him through. There was doubt in Aries mind about her brother receiving punishments of any kind, but as the only child of three who hasn't been blasted off the family tree, they need to take better caution with him.

Aries could only hope she was right.

He had been through so much already and now he's alone. Aries had nearly gone back to Grimmauld Place just to check on him as many times as he ran through her mind. Too many to count.

Though it was Euphemia that always reminded her why she left. It didn't take long for Mrs. Potter to see the regret and guilt on Aries on day one. She reminded Aries that he would always be welcome at the Potters Residence, but even while Regulus was young, he could take care of himself now.

He made his choice to stay, even when asked to leave, and maybe for the better. Sirius may not believe Reggie's head is screwed on tight enough, but he knows right from wrong and he knows how to survive.

It's merely keeping sane that has always been the problem. Sirius was the first to go and now Aries. Regulus learned many things from his older siblings, how to keep sane and survive. He also learned what love and care felt like from Aries.

Aries had doubts, but she knew, deep down, that he would make it.

——————

"MERE! THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!" Aries was startled awake, immediately getting off the rocking chair she had fallen asleep on. She quickly pulled out her wand, pointing at the screaming intruder and looking for the fire in panic.