Entwined |r.a.b|

Four

"So, now Ivy and I are partners," Regulus explained to his brother as they sat in a booth in Three Broomsticks. "But she still doesn't want to talk about anything other than the project."

Sirius nodded, his chin in the palm of his hand. "I wish I could help you... but Ariah and I are.... complicated right now...."

Regulus sighed. "You messed it up again... Of course you did... you royally mess up everything."

"Regulus I didn't set this up," Sirius said, sitting up clearly angered. "You're the one who wrote to me and being your older brother, I decided to talk with you because I care about you but you seem to be stuck in your doom and gloom ways!"

"If you really cared about me you wouldn't leave all the time," Regulus said, arms crossing over his chest.

All he had wanted was for him and his brother to get along — like the old days when they were younger and didn't understand anything about the world. But every time Sirius would leave — things got worse for Regulus, and he was sick of hurting and hiding in fear in his own home. He wanted the escape that Sirius was able to have.

"I'm still living at home for you Regulus!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Maybe it would be better if you just never came back," Regulus spat, his anger taking the best of him. Of course he didn't mean it. But he hated seeing his brother come and go as he pleased while Regulus didn't get that luxury.

Sirius stumbled back in his seat, his eyes softened and hurt.

"I care about you Reggie — I do. But I also care about my own needs and my own happiness. If Ariah taught me anything it's that in situations like these, you have to think of yourself. And I'll be damned if I ever end up the way mum wants me to end up. You do whatever you want to do, brother." Sirius stood to his feet. "I hate what mum does. And I hate that you have no way to escape it — but the Lupin's have offered you a place in their home just as they did me and if you won't take it — then that's on you."

Regulus sighed as he watched his older brother leave. He wasn't too sure why he always attacked Sirius for seeking safety. He always wished for their safety — he just never thought it would include their separation. Now that Sirius was away most breaks, Regulus had grown exceptionally lonely without his brother. Without Sirius, Regulus truly had no one.

Suddenly, he felt something wrap around his finger. He looked down to see a vine of some purple Pom-Pom-like flower snaking around his hand. Regulus looked up, seeing Ivy standing before the table.

"Chives," she said. "They ale depressive moods."

"Who says I'm depressed?" Regulus asked, putting on his dismissive mask.

"You're face says it all," Ivy said. The vine cut itself off from Ivy, staying wrapped around his wrist. "Mash the chives in lavender water — Slughorn has some. It'll also help ease loneliness and anxiety."

She began to walk off but Regulus was quick to grab her wrist. "How do you do that?"

He quickly let go of her hand, noticing the many eyes on them. Regulus lowered his voice. "You always know just how I'm feeling..."

"You're an easy person to read, Regulus," she said. "Nothing special about it. I'll go now, before you ruin your reputation."

Ivy walked out of the restaurant, Regulus wanting so badly to chase after her but also wanting the Slytherin's to respect him — wanting his parents to validate him.

There was nothing wrong with Ivy. She was pure-blooded, not that, that mattered to Regulus. But it mattered to his parents and to his house. Yet Ivy was pure-blooded. The only issue people had with her was her 'curse.' Regulus didn't see it as a curse though.

He looked to his wrist, the vine of chives still wrapped around him.

"Who cares," he mumbled to himself before running after Ivy.

"Ivy wait!"

Regulus caught up to her, grabbing her hand once again. She turned to him, clearly irritated. "What, Regulus?!"

"I— I —" He looked around, feeling everyone's eyes on him. But he focused on Ivy's and Ivy's eyes alone. "I don't care what people think Ivy. I care about you and I think you're awesome and I loved being your friend!"

"Regulus what are you doing?" Ivy asked.

"Showing you that this time is different," Regulus said.

"You... you really want to be my friend? Like, for real?" Ivy asked.

"Yeah! Like, for real," Regulus said. "I'm sick of feeling lonely. And I never feel lonely when I'm with you."

"I—I don't know, Regulus..." Ivy said.

"Please, Ivy," he begged. "I'm so sick and tired of pretending to be someone that I'm not — and with you — with you I feel like... like myself."

"Regulus...." Ivy sighed, running a hand over her face. "I don't think I can do that... I'm sorry."

She turned to leave. Regulus' mind raced as he looked around hogsmead. It was crowded, much to his displeasure. But he cared more about what Ivy thought of him than he did everyone else. Of course it would be easier for Regulus to just go back to his ways of pleasing everyone and holding the pureblood prince title he had acquired. But he didn't want easy and unhappy. He wanted Ivy Walker.

"We're going to be best friends, Ivy Walker," he yelled out, ignoring the pounding in his chest. "I'm not going to stop until we are!"

She turned slightly. Regulus could see the hidden smile on her face and he felt proud of himself. Ivy shook her head. "See you after supper, Reg."

Regulus smiled as she walked off, pumping his fist in joy. "Yess!"

For one second, Regulus didn't care what his family would think of his friendship, nor did he care what his 'friends' would say. Ivy Walker was his friend again.