𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐑𝐀 | 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

✧ chapter 10 ✧

1976

After the confrontation that had taken place the previous afternoon, Sirius was even moodier and more elusive than ever. He only made brief appearances during mealtimes and between classes he was seen slinking about the castle. Though they would never admit it, the boys were worried about him. They were concerned that he would shut down like he had in fifth year when he left home. The truth was, Sirius had always been closest with his brother out of his family, which isn't hard to imagine given the unbearable nature or Orion and Walburga Black. Even when Regulus was sorted into Slytherin they remained friends. Sirius still received the occasional letter from Reg during the holidays when their parents were being particularly difficult. Sirius was used to their parents as he had never been the son they wanted him to be, however Regulus had tried to be perfect in their eyes, and now with Sirius out of the picture he was under a microscope at home. This left him feeling immense pressure to live up to their impossibly high standards. Sirius had on countless occasions told him to run away too, to join him at the Potters house. James said there was plenty of room and he was welcome anytime. From what everyone had heard about the Black's they completely understood why Reg would also want to run away, however the youngest Black could never do it. The idea of leaving everything he had ever known was too overwhelming, not to mention how he would be treated by his fellow Slytherins if they found out he was a 'blood traitor'. Even though he was a troubled child, Sirius still loved his brother, so what Rosier said really resonated with him. The idea of losing his brother to pureblood society continually plagued his mind.

✧✧✧

Aurora wandered the dark halls of the castle, well aware that by the time she got back to Gryffindor Tower it would be past curfew. Muffled voices up ahead caused her to duck into an alcove hidden by an ancient tapestry.

"What did he mean, Reg?" the unmistakable voice of Sirius echoed down the hall.

"I already told you, I don't know what he meant by that." A voice Aurora assumed could only belong to Regulus replied.

"Okay, then why were they throwing you into walls?" Sirius persisted, their voices growing louder as they got closer to Aurora's hiding spot. Aurora's brow crinkled in confusion, and she peered through a small hole in the tapestry to get a better view of the scene unfolding a couple of feet from where she was standing.

"It's Lestrange and Rosier, they're bullies." Regulus replied, trying to remain nonchalant.

"Not to people in their own house, you git."

"Whatever."

"Reg, I'm worried about you. I don't want mum and dad's guidance along with your friends' choices to influence your future. There's still hope. Come live with me. I've still got all the money that was left to me by Uncle Alphard. As soon as I'm seventeen I'll buy us a flat in London."

"I don't need your help, Sirius."

"Reg, don't be like that mate, c'mon. I'm not trying to belittle you I'm concerned. I've heard things. About a dark force rising. Only snippets from the teachers when they don't know we're listening. They're all worried and you should be too. There are rumours that the dark force is, recruiting, and I couldn't live with myself if you got roped into something you couldn't get yourself out of."

"I'm not a child anymore Siri, I can take care of myself. I don't need you babysitting me all the time. I'm not as helpless as you think. I don't need you anymore." Regulus voice cracked on the final sentence as his tough façade shattered and his older brother pulled him into a tight hug.