Stars and Ground

✩CHAPTER 12✩

Aurora giggled as Sirius pushed her on the swing. "I've never been on one of these!"

"I have. Once, as a child. I thought I was going to die," He said as he chuckled. 

"You could kill me," She stated. 

"I could."

"But you won't."

"How do you know that?"

"Because you're my-"

"Don't say friend."

"Why not? That's-"

"Just do-"

"Get your hands off my sister," A cold voice ordered behind them. Sirius silently thanked him for the diversion and stopped the swing. Aurora got off and hugged her brother, who scowled at Sirius. Sirius awkwardly stood there, unsure whether he should go away or stay close. "Did you have to bring him?"

"Would you have preferred James instead? Mr. and Mrs. Potter insisted..." Orion rolled his eyes at this. "They think you need a bodyguard? From your own brother?"

"They're just being careful. I don't know! They've been so kind to let me stay with them, Ri."

"Speaking of which. Mother and father are willing to take you back." 

"She's not going back!" Sirius yelled, unable to stay out of their conversation.

"Good thing it's not up to you, then, blood traitor."

"Shut up, Orion! Just shut your damn mouth up! You know I don't agree with your views either! I'm a blood traitor too!"

"Yeah, well, the rest of the world doesn't need to see it that way. If you come back now, we can be a family again."

"So if I don't come back, you're saying you'll stop being my brother?" Orion didn't respond, giving Aurora her answer. She scoffed and turned back to Sirius. "Let's go."

"Could you think about anyone other than yourself for just one fucking moment?!" 

"Like who? You?"

"Yes! Do you think I want to lose my sister? Please, Rora!" Tears prickled in Aurora's eyes. She feared this day would come someday. Where she'd have to pick between her families. Between Orion and the Mauraders. It wasn't like it was a hard choice. That was what was so hard about it. She already knew who she'd choose. She'd choose the Mauraders in a heartbeat. And that's what made her selfish. How could she choose her friends who she'd known for a year over her brother who she'd known for 12? Almost 13? "I'm not the one choosing to lose you, Ri. You are. Just cause I'm choosing not to return to your family, doesn't mean I don't want you in my life. If you choose to lose me, that's completely on you. Sirius, let's leave." She grabbed Sirius's hand and rested her head on his shoulder. For him, this felt like the most natural thing ever. Orion was fuming. He took this as a betrayal. "Sirius Black. Never saw that one coming. Some words of advice. He's only in it to fuck you, dear old sis. You're nothing to him. And rest assured that the entire world will know where your loyalties lie." 

Sirius immediately turned around and lunged for Orion. Aurora tried to stop him, but it wasn't any use. Sirius swung for Orion's nose. Orion cried out and fell to the ground. "Sirius! Stop!" Aurora shrieked, as Sirius went in for another swing. Sirius ignored her and punched him twice more before getting up. "Let's go," He said in a deep voice. 

They returned home. Sirius faced Aurora and noticed that she was crying. "Rors, why are you crying?"

"Because you PUNCHED my BROTHER in the FACE! What else do you think? I knew I should have chosen James!" She stormed up to her room. James looked confusedly at the two.