#walburga is surprised remus knows about regulus

[lulublack90]

Prompt 13 - Vein

Wolfstar, March 13, word count 401

Previous part First part

CW - Implied torture

Walburga sneered down at him once she’d got over the shock at seeing that Sirius’s secret boyfriend was the server from her parties. 

“You’ve caused a lot of trouble for my family,” she said to him, her voice haughty and cold. Remus tried to shuffle in his seat, but the restraints were too tight. 

“I don’t know what you mean. I haven’t done anything,” Remus said back, calmly having given up on his restraints. Walburga leant in, her breath roasting across Remus’s skin. 

“You dragged my heir back to a life unsuited to his birthright.” Remus wanted to spit at her, but he held himself back. He could feel a vein pulsing in his neck as he fought not to say what he was thinking. Sirius had been the one to pursue him. Sirius had been the one who stuck around, not wanting to be outside their little bubble. His shoulders slumped. Remus needed Sirius just as much as Sirius needed him. “You will never contact my son or any member of this family again. If you do, I’ll…” 

“You’ll what?” Remus cut her off. “Do to me what you did to Regulus? Oh, yeah, I know all about poor Regulus,” He added when her eyes widened in shock. Walburga recovered quickly, forcing her face to appear neutral. She raised her hand and slapped him so hard across his cheek that his ears rang. 

“I do not know what you have been told, but Regulus took the coward's way out, but I’m sure no one would miss you.” She took out a sheet of paper and read off it. “Remus John Lupin, currently residing in.” She paused. “In my son’s flat,” She turned and hissed something at one of the men, and he rushed out of the room. She scanned the rest of the words on the paper, clearly all the information they had on him. He knew when she got to the part where he worked in the Black Star hotel because her nostrils flared. She looked up at him, a look of disgust on her face. “You appear to be a pricklier thorn in my side than I anticipated. Avery, Wilkes, do your thing.” She left Remus and the two other men alone, slamming the door behind her as Avery and Wilkes advanced towards him. Remus stared straight at them. He knew what was about to happen. He steeled himself. He was well acquainted with pain, but this was going to be nothing like he’d ever experienced before.  

Next part

[empress-simps]

James Potter Dating Sirius’ Younger Sister (Head Canons)

Note: These are just random stuff, it has been sitting in my notes app for a month or so? Enjoyy

Oh boy, you are in for a wild ride; just imagine all the chaos this would bring. Best believe you always have a stupid prank to worry about around the corner when your brother and boyfriend are pranksters.

You were a year younger than Sirius, being the middle child, and Regulus the youngest, it wasn’t surprising that you were kind of shunned by Walburga and Orion. You’re a girl, you cannot pass the Black family name onto your children, you were also not the heir. Luckily, big brother Sirius quickly took you under his wing and became the parent figure in your life.

You were sorted into Slytherin, along with Regulus much to your older brother’s dismay.

He threw a fucking fit and practically felt his soul leave his body the first time you told him. Sirius even went as far as tearing up and looking out the window, defeated. (And quite dramatically)

“You should’ve been a Gryffindor, Y/n! I don’t even know why the sorting hat put you in that evil house!” Sirius huffed, pouting.

“Regulus is also in the same house as me, brother.”

“Well it was quite obvious that he was meant to be a Slytherin, Regulus has a stick up his a-“

Although the Marauders mainly pranks the Slytherin students, you were an exception. How could Sirius prank his adorable little sister? You don’t deserve it! (also because James is a tad bit overprotective when it comes to you, Sirius just chalks it up as James being respectful to his younger sibling.)

“Siri, please don’t make Reggie suffer too much.” You plead to your older brother, puppy eyes activating as you heard their plans to set a nasty prank to slytherin students earlier. Sirius’ features soften, “Alright, I’ll talk to James. He’ll be the one to decide.” He pats your head, already formulating an apology for the prank he’s sure will not be cancelled.

James has been harboring feelings ever since he saw you on the train ride to Hogwarts with Sirius in his second year, so it was quite obvious what his opinion is on the matter.

Sirius randomly starts later that evening, “Prongs, Y/n was asking if you could exempt Regulus in our prank-“

“Oh don’t worry I’ll cancel it.”

Peter sputters “You’ll what?”

James looked at them “What? Let’s give them a day off.” Remus did a double take and actually sets his book down after placing his book mark. Yeah, that's how you know it's serious.

“We’ve been planning this for months-“

“Did I stutter, Wormtail?”

The hold you had on James though, seriously.

James Potter is whipped for Y/n Black.

You want some food that the house elves didn't prepare for dinner? Don't worry, James is on the case! He will run to the kitchens and bribe the house elves to make you some of your favorite dishes and what you're craving.

“What’s with the long face, princess?” Sirius asks, seeing you slump down next to him, looking quite defeated.

“Just some housemates, I couldn’t study well because of them.” You grumbled, pulling out your Herbology textbook and trying to focus.

Prongs frowned, snapping him out of his daydreams (which were probably about you.)

“Who?”

James want names.

Who dared interrupt his sweet girl’s (still not his girl though but we don’t talk about that) study session?!

Remus, being the observant sod he is, looks at Prongs, amusement swimming in his eyes as he takes in James’ angry and protective form.

Remus and Peter already has a hunch that Prongs fancy Padfoot’s little sister like… about a few months or so?

James doesn’t really even try to hide it, although it was one of the greatest unsolved mysteries on how Sirius still hasn’t figured it out.

“You reckon Padfoot’s just playing dumb? Even an oaf could see Prongs making heart eyes at Y/n.” Peter stated, snacking on some chocolate frogs as he sat on his bed.

Remus rolled his eyes, also sitting in his bed at their dorm room. The boys in conversation were in their quidditch practice. “He’s quite thick, I bet he wouldn’t even know until they started dating.”

“But Y/n’s innocent- doesn’t even know how lovesick James is.”

Peter was utterly wrong about that part.

You know that James likes you, although you try to ignore it, you can’t.

Because you like him back.

“Go out with me?”

You felt yourself blanch, hearing the familiar cheeky voice behind you.

You nearly broke your neck as you spun around to see James holding a bouquet of your favorite flowers while sporting a nervous smile.

“Does my brother know this?”

“Do you think I’d still be here alive when I tell him I’m utterly in love with his younger sister?”

Sirius almost busted a blood vessel when he found out.

Remus had to physically restrain him from lunging at James.

Yea sure, Sirius views James as his brother from another mother BUT BROTHER-IN-LAW?

“Bloody hell, Pads! Calm your balls down!” Remus grunts, back hugging the boy as he desperately tries to wriggle out of his mate’s grasp.

“No! Let me go, Moony! I just want to have a chat with Prongs!”

“Chat my ass! You were about to bloody knock the living daylights out of him earlier!”

It took a while for Sirius to wrap his head around how one of his brother-from-another-mother fancies his younger sibling.

He won’t lie, he felt betrayed by James for a short amount of time. He distanced himself (for a day, lol) but of course, he couldn’t stay mad at James.

Realistically speaking? James and Remus are the ones who are good enough to date you for Sirius.

“Do you love him?”

Sirius approached you one time in a random hallway. Youwere caught off guard with his question. You never saw your brother serious like that before.

“Sirius, what are you talking about?” You tried to feign innocence, but Sirius saw through that.

“James. I know he fancies you. Have you been shagging-“

You quickly clamped Sirius’ mouth with your hand, looking at your surroundings to check if anyone heard what he said.

“Salazar’s balls, brother! I still have my virtue!” You hissed, “Besides, I’m saving it for marriage.” You told him, making his tense shoulders relax.

“Atleast there’s something good that came out of those boring lectures Walburga taught us.”

“I am not a whore like you, brother.” You snickered, a playful smirk present on your face as Sirius slowly processed what you said.

“Why you little-“

It would take some adjustments for Sirius as he slowly takes in the fact that you and James started dating.

It doesnt help the fact that James always proclaims his undying love for you every chance he gets, which is every time.

Although, before he even asks you to be his girl, he talked to Sirius first, asking for his blessing.

Who is Sirius to deny his little sister and Prong’s happiness?

“I just love her so much…” James sighs dreamily, watching you from the Gryffindor table as you ate in silence beside Regulus, who was uncomfortable and tries to shield you from James’ looks (which he finds creepy).

Sirius can feel his eye twitch.

“Can you stop that Prongs? Just say that to her when you’re alone in a room.”

James frowned, “But you don’t allow us to be alone-“

“Exactly, Prongs. I don’t care if she’s your girlfriend—wife even. She’s my younger sister.”

James perked up, “So you’re alright with her being my wife?!”

Hogsmeade dates with James always.

“Honey, you don’t have to get me that necklace.”

He would buy you anything and everything you land your eyes upon more than 1.5 seconds.

He frowns, looking like a kicked puppy. “But you were staring at it!”

“It just crossed my line of vision-“

James certainly went back and secretly bought it for you.

No one can stop him when it comes to spoiling you.

Effie and Fleamont absolutely adores you.

“So, when is the wedding?” Effie smiled, looking at you and James expectantly

Cue Sirius choking in the background.

You blushed as James cleared his throat awkardly, a beet red blush already dusting his cheeks. “Mum…”

Effie blinks, acting innocent. “What? You guys are about to graduate from Hogwarts in… three months or so!”

Your family found out about the relationship.

Walburga’s stinging slap was marked on your cheek. “Have we taught you nothing, girl?!”

Regulus watched worriedly from the side, feeling helpless as Walburga continued to shout and curse at you.

“You good for nothing brat! I should’ve married you off ages ago! To think you’d turn out to be your older brother… Leave! And never come back as you will be no longer welcomed in the house of black!”

Regulus begged to take him with you.

Having nowhere else to go, you knocked on the door of the Potter Manor tiredly, holding your suitcase and Regulus looking around nervously.

Sirius was the one who answered the door.

“she hit you…” James muttered lowly, softly placing his warm hands on your cheek.

“It’s nothing, James.” You shrugged.

“We’ve suffered worse. I’m sure you’ve known that by now.” Regulus told him quietly, not looking up from his cup of warm tea before his eyes flickered to Sirius.

From that moment on, everything seemed to be better.

You’re happy to get out of the abusive household. Bringing Regulus with you, being reunited with your older brother, and hanging out with your boyfriend anytime you want.

Finally graduated from Hogwarts, James decided to pop the question.

“Padfoot..? You in there?” James nervously knocked on Sirius’ bedroom door.

“In here, Prongs! Hold on.” James heard shuffling before the door opened to reveal Sirius rubbing his eyes, seemingly woken up from a nap. He opened the door to let James in his room.

Sirius eyes him, noticing how fidgety one of his best friends are, his mind assumed the worst.

“I swear to Merlin, Prongs. If you got her pregnant and don’t plan to be responsible for it I’ll-“

James sputters, “What?! No! No one’s having a baby!”

Sirius visibly relaxed, “Then what’s gotten you looking so troubled?”

James pulls out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it to reveal an engagement ring.

“Erm… I’m not Y/n, Prongs.”

Cue a face palm from James, “I’m planning to marry your sister, not you, Pads. I’m asking for your blessing.”

Sirius didn’t think twice before giving him his blessing.

Which was why he and Regulus were dragged alongside Remus and Peter to plan a prefect surprise proposal.

“No no, it’s a bit crooked on the right.” James told Regulus, who was setting up the picnic blanket.

“Sirius, remind me again why I have decided to help this stupidly nervous sod?” He deadpanned to his brother.

“It’s for Y/n, Reggie.”

Regulus frowns, scrunching up his nose as he watches James run around like a headless chicken who’s trying to oversee everything.

“Right…”

“Where’s the ring?!”

Regulus could only sigh as he watched James panicking and looking in every nook and cranny, searching for the velvet box with the ring inside— that was obvious in his back pocket, where he placed it five minutes ago.

[sorrowful-wallflower]

Tragic - @into-the-jeggyverse - 705 words

James put on the last piece of his black suit, solemnly. He was already tired of seeing it. Tired of the reason he had to buy it in the first place. There was a lull in the war, and everybody who was still alive was attending funerals for their loved ones. James had been to seven funerals in the past couple of days, but this one, this one, hurt the most. He didn't even know how he was able to stand, let alone be able to attend. The floo roared to life as Sirius and Remus stepped through with sullen expressions. Everybody was hurting, and the only thing James wanted to do was run away with whoever he had left and never look back. "Ready, Prongs?" Sirius asked, holding back tears of his own. "No, but if this is the last time I'll be able to say goodbye, I don't want to miss it." They stepped back into the floo together, all three disappearing instantly and reappearing in the fireplace of Twelve Grimmauld Place. James cringed when he looked around at all the dark decor. It seemed like death clung to the walls, and he wished he could leave. He followed Sirius around the bleak house until they made it to the back garden, which was full of different members of the Noble House of Black. Walburga and Orion Black were standing next to a closed casket. James knew there was no body in it, given what the Daily Prophet had announced not even a week ago. Regulus Black, Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black, has been pronounced dead after a month-long search. A shiver went up James' spine every time he thought about the headline and black and white photo of Regulus standing with his parents. He took a deep breath before he continued to follow Sirius around. He knew it would not bode well for him to leave his side, especially with the Black's hatred of the Potters. James had no intention of dying today. At least not at the moment. Eventually, they walked over to the casket. James had to bite his tongue when he heard Walburga speaking with Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy. "It is so tragic. Regulus was so young and well on his way to great things that would have brought honour back to the Noble House of Black." "You wanna know what's tragic, Mother?" Sirius spat. "He's only dead because of you. You and your fucked up ideologies. Regulus was so desperate to please you that he followed your every whim and that's what lead to his death. You killed my baby brother!" Walburga opened her mouth, and James took that as his cue to sneak back into the house. He made his way to Regulus' bedroom, knowing it would be his only chance to find the box Regulus had hid. He told James about it before they left Hogwarts. ~~ "Yeah, I'll see you next week, Pads, Moony," James said sadly before he stepped into the floo to head home. "Bye, Prongs," Sirius replied sullenly. "It'll get better, in time." "I hope so. Goodbye." James threw the floo powder down and transported back to his house in flames of green. He wasn't two steps out of the fireplace before he heard him. "How was the funeral?" Regulus asked with a smirk as he leaned up against the doorjamb. "Oh, you know," James said with a wave of his hand before pulling his boyfriend in for a chaste kiss. "Lots of tears. Sirius got into a fight with your mother." "Why am I not surprised?" Regulus chuckled as he shook his head. They sat on the couch and looked around for a few minutes before Regulus pulled his leg up and turned towards James. "Are you sure you want to do this? I can do it alone." "I'm not letting you out of my sight again, love. I almost lost you once, and it nearly killed me. I'm not going to risk it happening again," James replied, determination flashing in his eyes. "Okay." Regulus pulled him down for another kiss before resting his forehead on James'. "I love you, Jamie." "I love you, too, Starlight."

[milunalupin]

Could you do some regulus for valentines writing?

thank you for your patience, hope you enjoy :) and happy valentine's day to everyone <3

— candy grams

regulus black x reader ★ 772 words

The end of January was a cold and quiet time at Hogwarts. The holiday cheer has gone and winter truly makes itself known. Regulus Black found himself sitting in a empty nook in the Defense Against the Dark Arts Tower, going over his Ancient Runes essay. Shoes squeaked floors below as the other students ran outside to play. Fluffy snowflakes fell past the tall windows, Regulus' eyes flickering out the window every few minutes to watch the snowfall. If he allowed himself to, he might admit to liking this time of year. Winter meant cozy sweaters and hiding out in his dorm, reading muggle poetry books charmed to look like a spell book.

The chattering and laughter of students exiting their classes began to fill the halls, Regulus sighing softly as his peace and quiet had come to an end. He collected his things and stored them back in his satchel, making his way down the stairs past the Charms classroom. The way down to the Slytherin common room was a longer one but Regulus took his time as he was in no hurry.

A girl with a white ribbon in her hair rushed past him, but stopped and turned when she realized he was there, a smile quickly making it's way onto her face. Regulus had seen her around, a muggleborn witch with an affinity for all magical things.

"Hi! Sorry to bother you, I know you may be on your way to class or something important, but I'm selling candy grams for the upcoming holiday if you're interested in one?"

Candy gram? What the hell was a candy gram? Regulus supposed this is that 'dumb lovey muggle shit' Barty was talking about the other day. Walburga would be nothing less than disgusted if she found out he spent a single knut on a muggle object. He gives her a weird look and shook his head, declining silently.

"No worries! Have a lovely day!"

Her pretty smiled faltered but it came back up just as quick as it fell. She waved at him before dashing back down the stairs.

Regulus blinked, feeling his chest tighten slightly, shaking it off and continuing his path down to the dungeons.

Days have passed an Regulus is still wondering what a candy gram is. His mind continues to wander back to the girl and the ribbon in her hair as he leaves his last class of the day, spotting his brother's friend walking alone down the hall. He looked around to make sure no one of importance was watching him and quickly caught up to the tall Gryffindor.

"Lupin."

Remus turned in surprise as his best friend's little brother stands beside him. He notices what he believes to be nervousness masked by his composed stature.

"Regulus, can I help you?"

"What's a candy gram?"

Now Remus is truly confused. Why has Regulus Black stopped him and asked him what a candy gram is? He must have been making a strange face because Regulus glared up at him and crossed his arms.

"You're a half bre- blood, aren't you? If you don't know, then just forget any of this happened." He scoffed, waving his hand dismissively and turning to walk away. He only made it halfway down the hall when Remus called after him.

"It's for Valentine's Day. You buy candy for someone you care about, usually your friend, partner, or a crush."

Regulus' ears burn Gryffindor red as he walks away silently.

Regulus sees her again a week later. She had just returned from the Hogsmeade trip, white snowflakes sprinkled in her hair. Checking his surroundings, he carefully walked up to her as she spelled the snow off of her, quickly fixing his hair.

"Would you still happen to be selling those candy grams?" He asked, entranced by the small hairs framing her face that started to curl due to the snow.

"Absolutely! They're 15 sickles." She beamed, digging through her bag and pulling out a piece of candy with a little card attached. He handed her a few coins and opened the card up, following her finger as she pointed to two lines on the inside.

"You just write your name here, and then the person you're giving it to, here."

He stared down at the empty lines, then back at her with a small smile.

"I'm going to have to get your name then."

Her eyes widened, and Regulus had hoped it wasn't just the cold that turned her cheeks pink. Safe to say he's found another reason to like this time of year, and she wore a white ribbon in her hair.

[poisonpetal-stan]

Hear me out-Trans Sirius

(pretend that girls can't go into the boys' dorms)

But he didn't choose it like Regulus did. Sirius was born as Asteria Walburga Black, but she was forced to become a boy because her parents didn't want a female heir, they wanted a male heir. So, she became he.

But Sirius didn't know. No one in the family knew except for the adults. His uncle Alphard wanted to tell Sirius so bad, to tell him that he was once Asteria Black, but no, he couldn't. Because he was sworn into a blood oath. Tell the truth and he'd die. Walburga and Orion had done it, they had schemed a great scheme, and only those loyal to them knew. Or so they thought.

Enter Bellatrix Black, with a photographic memory, who remembered everything about anything. So, of course she knew that Sirius was once Asteria. And why didn't she tell Sirius? Because she knew it would ruin him, that it would ruin him knowing that his family not only stole his joy and freedom, but also his identity. So, she stayed silent, hoping that he would find out some other way.

Fast forward to Sirius' first year at Hogwarts and Bellatrix's third. Sirius gets sorted into Gryffindor, and Bellatrix feels sick to her stomach. This wasn't supposed to happen. He was supposed to be in Slytherin, so Bellatrix could get Professor Slughorn to give Sirius access to the boy's dorms, but no. She would have to get it from Professor McGonagall. Bellatrix waited until everyone had left to walk to the Gryffindor Tower.

When Sirius had tried to climb the stairs up to the boys' dorms, he hadn't expected the steps to turn into a slide. No matter what he tried, or how hard, he just couldn't get up. When Remus recommended that he went to Professor McGonagall for help, Sirius had no other options. He hadn't expected to find Bellatrix waiting outside.

Bellatrix had always acted the perfect pure-blood daughter, stoic and cold. So, Sirius was surprised when she broke down and told him the truth. Sirius couldn't blame her, but he was still mad. After that, their relationship became strained.

Sirius never told anyone his secret. Not even Remus. His true identity was a secret he took to the grave.

[sixtsposts]

CW: ship StarChaser (Jegulus), headcanon trans!Regulus ftm, fluffy first part slow burn, there will be another part

~•°•☆•°•~

For as long as he can remember, the best day of Regulus' life was the day he cuts his hair. It was at the beginning of his second year at Hogwarts, Barty has insisted to do it himself, he was so excited for his friend. Of course, it was Pandora who took care of the final details.

Regulus will always remember tenderly how the blond girl has handed him the little hand mirror. Since then when she looked at him she always had some kind of sparkles in her eyes. He understood much later that the whimsical girl had saw this version of him since the second she met him. Regulus had grabbed the mirror awkwardly, his hands shaky as he lifted the object to his face.

At the sight of his black hair all short he swear he could have cried right here and now. Though he was a Black, he had dignity. The way it healed something he never knew was broken in his heart made him let out a nervous huff. He tentatively passed a hand in his hair, softly at first and then more boldly like it was an old habit. He just stare at his own reflection like that for few seconds before he looked up at all his friends and nodded with the slightest smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

~•°•☆•°•~

The following weeks were exciting for the young Regulus. His new haircut had him struting proudly in the hallways instead of walking with his head down. Of course, this drastic changement provoqued lots of reactions among almost everyone at school.

The first real reaction Regulus received was from no one else then the Professor McGonagall. The neated woman had class with the group at the end of the day. When Regulus sitted at his usual desk on the front row McGonagall turned to the class and he swears he saw her eyes widen when she spotted him.

She first looked at him with concern, surely worried that it was another cruel punishment from the terrible Walburga. This woman was a nightmare, thought Minerva. However, when she saw the youngest Black smirking proudly and passing a hand in his hair, her eyes shifted to slight confusion and, finally, to amusement.

The exchange lasted for no longer than couples of seconds but it was enough to fill little Regulus' heart with pure joy and a new-born confidence. Though he now had to confront the real jugde, the only one that really mattered. Sirius.

And his friends...

~•°•☆•°•~

He bumped into them during the week-end, they were all sitted in the parc of the school on the grass. There were Sirius, making his usual stupid jokes that always made Reg laugh when he was younger. His useless minion Pettigrew and their reserved friend Remus Lupin. And of course there were James. The flirty, arrogant and outgoing James Potter.

Regulus don't wanted to cross their ways, he was too nervous about his brother's reaction. And maybe even more of his friends. However the fate didn't seem to give him any choice as he found himself walking passed their group when he was on his way to meet Barty and Evan at the Lack.

"Hey Reggie!" He heard his nickname being called as he was accelerating his pace. He didn't turn to look at Sirius and kept walking until he heard his older brother getting up and making few steps toward him, calling him again with a more genuine tone "Regulus, wait-"

And Regulus waited, because he sounded sincere. Because he didn't used that stupid nickname. Because, honestly, what else could he do? He slowly turned to the long haired boy, his shoulder somehow tense. "You cut your hair," Sirius said bluntly and it almost made Regulus laugh. "I did," is all he replied though.

He was about to leave when his eyes glanced at the group few feet away, they were all looking at him and that's when Reg noticed three girls sitting with the Marauders. They were smiling at him. "I think it's cool," Regulus eyes drifted back to his brother as the latter talked again.

He didn't know what to say, a little surprise by Sirius compliment. "Yeah, it suits you," he heard coming from a blond girl and next to her, Lupin was nodding his head in approval. He passed a hand in his hair nervously and gave them all an awkward loopside smile. That's only then that he noticed James who was staring at him, he was looking flabbergasted with his mouth slightly open like he was in some sort of awe.

Regulus couldn't take it anymore, somewhat scared they would suddenly more him. James expression was doing weird things into Regulus guts. So he looked one last time at his brother and murmured a quiet "thanks" before leaving quikly.

As he was rushing off, Regulus could hear their voices "You okay Jamie? - Yeah, yeah I'm fine," and Regulus blushed.

~•°•☆•°•~

The next time he saw James it was on a cold day of december. Well it was a night actually.

Regulus had decided to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays because he didn't want his parents to know about his new look. They will have to know one day, but not yet. For now he wanted to stay on the top of his world. Just for a little longer.

Eventually the Marauders were staying too, at least that's what Reg thoughts since he saw them all in the Great Hall. He found himself quite alone since Barty, Dorcas and the Rosier twins were gone back to their respective houses. Though, Regulus never minded the loneliness.

That's how little Reggie ended up spending his day in the astronomy tower, reading, listening to music and practicing his magic a little. He even stayed the night, not feeling like going back to his empty dorm.

Even though the wind was getting more and more cold. Even though his limbs were all sore from being in the same position for too long. Even though he'd be in big trouble if someone finds out he's not in his bed.

Regulus was deep in his thoughts when he heard quiet steps coming. It was around 11 PM and the room was drawned in an appeasing darkness only broke by the dim white-ish light of the Moon. The dark haired boy froze up instantly, his eyes fixed on the door.

When the latter openned, Regulus was the most surprised to see nobody, as if the door openned and closed itself. But the little Black was no fool and with a smooth but silent motion of his wand he uncovered who ever broke his moment of peace.

And of course, who else could possibly have owned an invisible cloak at Hogwarts but the one and only James Potter? The boy with the glasses jumped in surprise when his cloak suddenly slided off of his shoulders. And what a surprise it was for him to see the young sibling of Sirius sitted on the stone floor.

"Well, hello," he chuckled and scratched the back of his head a bit awkwardly. Regulus couldn't help himself when he frowned, it was so out of character for James to look... nervous?

"What are you doing here?" The youngest ask eloquantly and James straitened up a bit. "I came to stargazing," he replied casually. That's what always surprise Regulus the most; how outspoken James can seem to be about himself. He had no shame, no insecurities and Reg couldn't not admire him for that. Though he'd never tell him, obviously.

James seems to take in Regulus for few seconds before he looked away and burried his hands in his pockets. "But I think I'll go in the parc. Don't wanna disturb you," he mumbles with a little, almost mischievous smile. Regulus has this impression that James is always smiling. It makes him want to punch him sometimes. Not right now though.

"No it's fine, I'll leave you the place," Regulus sigh quietly and gets up from his spot, lazily stretching his arms. James just stay here, eyeing his every movements with no shame. "I like your haircut, by the way," James suddenly says, a bit too quikly. Regulus couldn't see it, but James felt his cheeks burning immediatly.

"Hum... thanks," Regulus mumbled and looked away, but he couldn't deny the feeling in his stomach. "I mean it," James then added more softly this time, "It looks way more like you," he smiled and Regulus swear he could have passed out.

He just nodded, unable to let out a word from his throat other than a weak "Thanks," which made James giggled. And again James, who didn't know when to stop talking, added "Actually you look like a boy," he chuckled.

At this sentence, Regulus didn't know how to react, he had too much going on in his heart and in his head. Why was James Potter even talking to him? Why was he so nice? Was he pulling a prank of him? Did he was honest? Did he really looked like a boy? Was it a good thing? It felt like one, but he is sure his parents would disagree.

And again his fight or flight instinct kicked in as he just grabbed his book, his walkman and his wand, and stormed out of the room, leaving behind a James Potter with a big smirk on his lips.

~•°•☆•°•~

About two weeks later, Regulus met James again. Turns out the older boy was not staying for the whole holidays, he got home for Christmas and the New Year. Same as his stupid little friend Pettigrew.

On one of the last night before the class begins, Regulus found himself crossing path with James. Again. What a shame when he was actually trying to avoid him by going in the parc instead of the astronomy tower.

But it seemed like the glasses boy had the same idea as Regulus since the Black found him sitted on some rock with a warming spell around him. It had snowed and the ground was all white. At the sound of his footsteps James turned around to see Regulus.

"Argh you must be killing me! I left the astronomy tower for you," Potter shaked his head in a fake annoyance with a little chuckle. "What- no I left it to you, idiot," Regulus narrowed his eyes at James with a real annoyance, which only made the other boy chuckled. Once again, he had this hint of mischief in his brown eyes.

"Whatever. While you're here, might aswell join me," James patted the rock next to him and gestured for the Black to join him. The latter, rather surprised, raised a skeptical eyebrow, "Why?" He asked and James only shrugged his shoulders smoothly, "Can't I spend some time with my best friend's sibling? C'mere," he smiled more genuinely and somehow Regulus obeyed.

"You're weird," the youngest sighed as he climbed on the rock which made James chuckled softly by his side again. "I'm the weird one? Really?" The gryffindor boy teased, playfully bumping his shoulder with his. "Yes, you're much weirder," Reg joined the playful banter with a fake annoyance. Though he couldn't deny to himself how his heart started to beat faster.

"Maybe you're right," James finally sighed and when Regulus looked up at him surprised, he sported a proud smirk and was looking up at the night sky. Regulus couldn't reply anything so he did the same, his eyes fixated to the stars above them. He knew them all; pureblood education.

"Sirius told me your names are all based on stars or constellations in your family," said suddenly James as if he could read his mind. Regulus glanced down at him for a second, admiring how his eyes looked like they sparkled under the sky's soft light.

Finally he looked up at he sky and nodded, "Yeah, that's true." Regulus' knees were pulled against his chest and his arms wrapped around them.

"I think that's cool, where's yours?" James asked, leaning slightly toward him but his eyes were still stucked on the sky. Regulus gulped, a bit puzzled that James seemed to take a genuine interest in this.

But still, he lifted his arm and pointed at a star, "This one, the brightest in the Leo constellation," he explained, his eyes glancing between the sky and James. The latter seemed to search the star and when he found it his face illuminated, "Cheers! The Leo constellation, huh? What does that mean, nerd?"

This pulled a quiet little laugh from Regulus who shaked his head, "It means physical, mental and emotional strengh," Regulus recited what he learned, now looking straight at the constellation. Though James had his eyes stuck on the Black instead.

"Yeah, suits you," James commented cheekily and Regulus frowned slightly. "How so?" The youngest asked quite curious to know what James thought of him, though he will never admit it out loud.

"I don't know, you always look like you're carrying the world on your shoulders. You're a little Atlas," James explained and Reg smiled slightly at the greek reference. "I do not," replied calmly but with a firmness in the the voice and James only raise an unimpress eyebrow.

"Regulus," his name sounded weird coming from James' mouth, "You're a boy, right?" James said with softness and Regulus froze. It was as much because he was shocked by James' perseptiveness that he was unaware of the answer to the question. "It's okay, you can tell me," James added, the softness in his voice sounded unfamiliar to Regulus but felt somehow soothing. He stared down at his laps for few seconds, shoulders tense.

"I don't know," mumbled the little Black, his voice had lost its usual firmness and eloquency. James could only look down at him with a sympathy in his warm eyes. Then he sighed, stretching his legs by extending them on the rock "You should talk about that with Sirius," he said casually.

"What? No, I could never-" Regulus started to protest but James glance down at him with a knowing expression. "Who, do you think, guessed how you felt? Me? Absolutely not, I'm not of the perceptive kind," James scoffed and his words made Reg frown.

"Sirius guessed?" He then ask carefully, and when James nodded with a smile. He found it hard to believe. His brother was as clever as a donkey, but Regulus thought Sirius knew him better than anyone after all. "What did he say then?" Regulus then ask, eager to know.

James chuckled a little at the unusual impatience of the Black, "He said he'll support you if you come to him," he repeated his friend's words, "But you know him, he won't make the first step," he added and Reg could only nod knowingly.

"And... how do you feel about that?" Regulus asked carefully after few seconds of silence. James seemed surprise by the question, why would his opinion matter? But then he glanced down at Reg and knew it did. Somehow it mattered.

"You wouldn't be the first wizard to change gender, y'know? I think it's cool if you feel good," James said smoothly, this guy was really too comfortable with his own feelings, it almost pissed Regulus off. But the glasses boy added "If I were you I'd worry much more about my family's reaction," and Regulus felt like everything was becoming a little too real all of a sudden.

It was thrilling, he felt good in a way he had never before but he was terrified too.

~•°•☆•°•~

Here is part 2 ☆

[starchaseriseverything]

You can’t hold me here, Mother!”

“I am your mother, Regina!” Walburga yells back. “You will listen to me!”

“I can leave any time I want!” Regina yells. “Sirius and Andromeda did! So why can’t I!?”

“You have no one to go to, Regina.” Walburga walks up to her. “Absolutely no one. No one cares about you. Not even I.”

“Fuck you, Mother . I hate you.” She sneers. “I will always hate you. I’m leaving and you can’t stop me.”

Walburga smacks her daughter’s cheek. “I can and will.” Regina holds her cheek and runs up the stairs. She slams her door and locks it so her mother can’t get in. She flops down on her bed and stares at the letter sitting on the desk. She hasn’t read it yet, but she knows if she wants closer, she’ll have to. She stands up and sits down in the chair, gently grabbing the letter and slowly opening it. The first word she reads is, Regulus. Regina takes a shaky inhale and starts reading the whole letter.

Regulus, you can get away. You can run from that house. I did and I made it. You can, too. Andy and Uncle Alphard made it. It’s time for you to get out of there, too, Reggie. And I know mother still calls you by your deadname. That’s not right, Reg. You have been going by Regulus since you were twelve and it’s time you get away from people who still call you Regina. I know James would love to see or even hear about you living your best life, even if it’s not with him.

Either way, just tell me what you’re feeling. If you don’t want to run, that’s fine. You still have me to talk to. But if you do run, Effie and Monty have a room for you and your friends are waiting here for you, too. They wait by the door or even sleep in your room sometimes waiting for you, and even if they don’t admit it, they miss you and want you out of that house just like they got out of theirs. I know they’d be happy if you just ran and didn’t stop running until you decided to call someplace home, even if that wasn’t with them. So, just, please, get out of there and live your best life whether that’s with us or without us, it doesn’t matter, just get out of there.

Love, your brother, Sirius

Regina smiles at the letter and stands up and grabs a suitcase from her closet and starts shoving clothes in it. Which is weird because she’s a neat freak and hates when things are all messy, especially when people just throw stuff, but her brother is right, it’s time she gets out of that house and away from her parents. So, instead of weeping in her room all day, she decided to get out of there, forever.

She runs down the stairs with her suitcase in hand and just runs, runs right out the door and doesn’t stop until she finds someplace hidden. She then pulls out her wand and apparates where she’s been many times, The Potter residence.

She smiles at the door before ringing the doorbell and putting her wand away. An older lady answers the door. “Hello. I don’t think we were expecting anyone today.” She backs up. “Come. Come in.” She then walks to the steps and yells, “Kids! Were you expecting anyone today!?”

“No, Mum!” A boy yells back and Regina closes her eyes, recognizing it immediately, James’s voice.

The older woman hums and turns back to her. “Well, then, what is your name?”

“Regi- Regulus. Regulus Black.”

The woman gasps. “Oh my. Should I call Sirius down? Or Barty? Or any of your other friends?”

Regulus shakes his head. “No. I think I'll surprise them.” Regulus sets his suitcase down by the door. “Just a quick question.”

Effie stops and turns around. “What is it dear?”

“How many of my friends are here? Living here?”

Effie hums and starts counting on her fingers. “Well, there’s Lily, Dorcas, Barty, Pandora, Evan, Sirius, Remus, Emma, Aurora, and my son, James.”

“Why do you let everyone live here?”

“Because it’s the nice thing to do and that’s just how my parents taught me.” Effie chuckles a little. “Well, not this nice, but that’s just how I am and how I raised James to be. Some people don’t have good homes like James does, so they need someplace to live or even stay for a few days and that’s what I give them. A place to stay or one to live. Most choose to live but some, like Peter and Alice and Frank, they choose to stay for the summer or a few days because they have nice homes and would miss their family too much. It’s just what this family does, sweetheart, and I hope you get to be a part of that.”

Regulus smiles. “I hope so too.”

“So, I need to make another bedroom?”

Regulus nods. “Yeah, I’m living.”

***

“My sweet,” Regulus says, lovingly. “We are not having another child.”

“But-”

“Three is enough.”

James sighs and flops down in the chair behind him. “I think we should.” He mumbles.

“No.” Regulus replies, sternly.

“Why can’t we-”

“It’s not your body, now is it?”

James’s face falls and he leans his head on his hand. “You know-”

“No, James.”

“Fine!” James groans. “I won’t put another baby inside you.”

“Good.”

“Guess that means we can never do the fun stuff again.”

Regulus’s head whips up from his book. “What?” James looks to the other side of him. “James,”

“What?” He asks, turning his head back to him. “What is it, love?” Regulus opens his mouth but closes it again. He doesn’t even know what to say to that. James sighs and stands up to stretch. “Well, better get to bed.”

“James, It’s ten.”

“So?”

“AM.”

“So?”

“It’s still morning.”

“So?”

“You just woke up.”

“So?”

“You are not going to bed, James.”

“Are you bossing me around?”

Regulus nods and goes back to his book. “Yep.”

“You said I can't do that.”

“That’s you.”

“So, it’s different when you do it?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“It just is.”

James hums and walks towards his husband. “Really?” Regulus hears the change in his voice and gulps. Regulus nods back, not being able to get anything out. James takes Regulus’s book and sets it on the stand beside him. When Regulus doesn’t look up, James guides his head up to his. “How is it different?” He whispers.

Regulus gulps again. “It just is.”

James hums and nods. “Yeah?”

Regulus nods. “Yeah.”

“Papa! Daddy!” Euphemia screams, running towards them. James straightens up quickly and looks over to their daughter.

“What, dulce chica?”

“Can we go to the park?” The black-haired girl asks, jumping up and down in excitement.

James looks over to Regulus, he shrugs in return. James looks back to the girl. “Of course. Go tell your brother and sister to get ready.” Mia smiles and runs off, yelling for her siblings. James chuckles and turns back to Regulus. “We can’t ever have any peace, can we?”

Regulus shakes his head at his husband. James leans down and kisses his lips before walking down the hallway to make sure they’re ready in time.

***

Regulus laughs as both him and James lift up their daughter that’s in between them and she squeals. Leo’s walking beside Regulus and holding his other hand while their oldest daughter is walking beside James. Regulus looks in front of them to a woman approaching them. Regulus inhales a breath when he realizes who it is. Walburga.

She glares at the two before looking at the three kids next to them. She bends down in front of the girl in between them and smiles. “Hi.” She says as James tries to hold their daughter back but she just pulls his hand to make him stop. She’s still holding onto her fathers hand when Walburga speaks again. “What’s your name?”

“Euphemia. But Papa and Daddy call me Mia.”

She smiles at the young girl. “Hello, Mia.” She turns to the young boy by Regulus’s side after glaring at the man holding onto his hand still. “What’s your name?”

“Leo.” He mumbles softly.

“Hi, Leo.” Finally, she glares at James then turns to the red-haired girl beside him. “What’s your name?”

Rose holds up her hand in front of her father and he takes it, putting their entwined hands beside them. “Papa said not to talk to strangers.” Rose mumbles.

“But I’m not a stranger.” The older woman says. “Your parents aren’t doing anything to tear you away, are they?” Rose shakes her head. “So, what’s your name?”

“Rose.”

“Nice to meet you, Rose. I’m Walburga, but you can call me Wally.”

“Wally?” Euphemia asks, giggling.

Walburga smiles at the girl.

“Isn’t Wally who grandma always talks about?” Rose asks, looking up to her father. James looks down at her.

“I wouldn’t know. Your grandma doesn’t talk to me about stuff like that.” She looks over to her dad this time. Regulus doesn’t answer, still in shock. Rose turns back to the lady as Mia and Leo laugh. She made them laugh. Regulus thinks. She made my kids laugh.

Regulus snaps out of his daze. “Come on, let’s go to the park.”

“But, I wanna stay.” Leo whines.

“Let’s go see Aunt Lily and Aunt Pandora, then.”

“Eclipse and Luna?” Mia asks, looking up to her dad.

Regulus nods. “And Harry, Lillian, and Lewis.”

Euphemia jumps up and down and pulls her fathers down the sidewalk past Regulus’s mother. Regulus looks back to her as they pass. She smiles at him and turns around to walk away. Regulus turns his head back in front of him. She smiled? What kind of sick bitch smiles?

-

Walburga kept a straight face throughout the whole funeral for her husband. She didn’t cry once because ‘Black’s don’t cry’, at least that’s what her mother always said. So, she hasn’t cried since she was seven. She didn’t want to get crucio’d again. She didn’t even cry when she married Orion, her cousin, when she wanted to marry someone else. They were even talking about their future together when her mother brought up her engagement. Her engagement that was set from the time she was born. The one where she couldn’t get out of it even if she tried. And oh did she try, but her mother always brought her back, time and time again every time.

Euphemia was the love of her life and she couldn’t ever marry her. Ever. So, instead of telling her about the engagement that was set before she was born, she decided to just break it off. And it wasn’t the best way to go about it, either. They had a horrible fight over something she can’t even remember now. Probably something stupid, maybe something important. Walburga couldn’t remember even if she tried.

A few months after their break up in Hogwarts, she was dating a Gryffindor. A Gryffindor that's nice and generous, unlike her, he’s perfect for her. She’s kind and generous and so much more. He doesn’t deserve her and neither did she. After Hogwarts walburga got an invitation to a wedding, one called ‘The Potter Wedding’. Walburga rolls her eyes at the ridiculous name. (Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous) Potter always was like that, one for stupid things. But I guess there’s two Potter’s now. She thinks.

Walburga was surprised by the invitation, not because Effie remembered her, but because she wanted her there. Walburga sighs and slouches in the arm chair, dropping the invitation on the floor as she pulls her hand to her forehead and holds up her head with it.

She can’t go. She never could. She can’t be associated with a blood-traitor, but Salzar does she wish she could. She wishes she cried then, but she didn’t not for years after that. The first time she cried since seven was when Sirius left. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to accept her daughter as the heir, it was because she wishes her daughter went with her son. To get away from this family even though she couldn’t. She was happy one child didn’t turn out like her and she knows her children talked about not turning into her.

She wishes she could’ve stayed with her promise. The one where she promised her brothers to not turn out like their parents, but instead, she did, and so did her youngest brother. The middle brother, though, he got out just like her niece and son. That was the first night she cried over her brother, her niece, her son, and her daughter all in one go.

The second time Walburga cried was when Regina left right after their argument. Their argument that was supposed to be a simple conversation in which Walburga subtly nudged her to leave the house, but turned into a full-blown argument. At least she left. Walburga thought.

So, when Walburga was walking in the park one day and sees someone who looks exactly like her daughter, she realizes her daughter isn’t her daughter, they’re her son. Walburga smiles and about walks away to cry, but sees the smile on her son's face as he lifts up a girl with another man. The little girl laughs and gets set back on the ground. Her son is holding a little boy’s hand and the other man is trying to get the other girl to hold his other hand.

She decides to walk up to them, but doesn’t show her smile. She’s gotten good at that over the years, having to hide her excitement and discomfort. She couldn’t when she was with Effie, though. She always brought out the emotions in her. All of them.

She glares at the two men, not wanting to show them she actually cares and squats down in front of the girl and smiles. “Hi.” She says. “What’s your name?”

“Euphemia. But Papa and Daddy call me Mia.”

Named after her grandmother. Walburga thinks. She smiles again at the young girl. “Hello, Mia.” She turns to the young boy by Regulus’s side after glaring at the man holding onto his hand still. “What’s your name?”

“Leo.” He mumbles softly.

“Hi, Leo.” Finally, she glares at the other man, not wanting to reveal she cares, then turns to the red-haired girl beside him. “What’s your name?”

The red-haired girl reaches her hand up to her fathers to hold hands. He does and puts them at their sides. “Papa said not to talk to strangers.” Rose mumbles.

“But I’m not a stranger.” She is, but her son isn’t doing anything. “Your parents aren’t doing anything to tear you away, are they?” Rose shakes her head. “So, what’s your name?”

“Rose.”

“Nice to meet you, Rose. I’m Walburga, but you can call me Wally.”

“Wally?” Euphemia asks, giggling.

Walburga smiles at the girl.

“Isn’t Wally who grandma always talks about?” Rose asks, looking up to her father. Walburga looks up also. The man looks down at her.

“I wouldn’t know. Your grandma doesn’t talk to me about stuff like that.”

“Mia, Leo.” Their heads go over to her and away from the other conversation. “Why did the scarecrow win an award?” She asks.

“Why?” Leo asks.

“Because he was outstanding in his field.” The two kids laugh at the joke that their grandmother taught her and it’s stayed in her head ever since sixth year.

“Come on, let’s go to the park.” Walburga's son says. Walburga nods and stands up, understanding that he’s trying to get his kids away from her.

“But, I wanna stay.” Leo whines.

“Let’s go see Aunt Lily and Aunt Pandora, then.”

“Eclipse and Luna?” Mia asks, looking up to her dad.

He nods. “And Harry, Lillian, and Lewis.”

Euphemia jumps up and down and pulls her fathers down the sidewalk past her. Walburga sees them walking away and then her son's head turns to her. She smiles at him, hoping he gets the message that she still cares no matter what. She then walks away, not wanting to disturb them anymore than she already has.

She closes her eyes as she leans against her front door, slides down, and sobs on the floor.

[chlobliviate]

Wolfstar Microfic - Knight Bus

Words: 981

@wolfstarmicrofic

🌙✨🌙✨🌙

Sirius had sent his owl, Queenie, to James before he’d left, asking him to get in touch with Remus and telling him that he hoped that the Potters’ offer of a place to stay still stood.

As he slowly dragged his trunk onto the pavement, he looked up at the place he used to consider home. Regulus was watching, expressionless, from Sirius’ bedroom window. He hoped with every fibre of his being that Reg would realise how toxic their family was sooner rather than later. He told him that he could owl him, or if they were at school, talk to him, anytime.

He didn’t want to leave him. Even if he was a massive twat. Most fourteen-year-olds were twats, he reasoned, he definitely was, but he wished Regulus could just overcome the twattishness for an afternoon and come with him. Get away.

He’d be long gone by the time Walburga and Orion noticed he was missing, and although they would know where he’d gone, he knew that once he got to the Potters’, he’d be safe.

He stuck out his wand and a large purple bus popped out of nowhere, making Sirius jump.

“Alright?” The conductor said with a half smile, “Need a hand?”

“Please.” They managed to get his trunk onto the bus and under a bed frame. "Thank you." He said, realising that he'd barely contributed. He felt so shaky.

“No worries, kid. Where you off to?” He looked down at Sirius, now perched on the edge of the bed.

“Uh, Potter Manor, on The Lizard, please.” The man nodded and exchanged a ticket for Sirius’ money. “Been in a fight?”

Sirius had completely forgotten how awful he must look. To start with he hadn’t eaten in almost five days and had only slept in small intervals during that time. The final blow had been Bellatrix announcing that Sirius was gay over lunch (which he wasn’t allowed to eat, but forced to sit through anyway) and Sirius simply not having the energy to deny it anymore.

He’d healed two broken ribs himself but forgot about his face. He pressed a hand to his nose and was alarmed when the blood looked fresh. He hoped it wouldn’t worry James and his parents too much. Honestly, his face didn’t hurt anywhere near as much as his muscles did. It was always the same after she Crucio-ed him, the pain would linger for days. But she'd never get to do it again.

“Something like that,” Sirius said quietly. “You should see the other guy.”

The conductor huffed out a laugh and headed back to the front of the bus.

Sirius pulled a book out of his bag. Remus had lent him The Hobbit last term and he’d picked up a copy of The Lord of the Rings last week and he was hooked.

Before he knew it, the bus swerved into the lane outside Potter Manor. The front door flew open and to his surprise, Remus, not James, was the one rushing toward him. He helped him get his trunk off the bus, then threw his arms around Sirius making him wince slightly, his ribs were still bruised. He clung to Remus, burying his face in the curve of his neck, suddenly concerned that he might cry. A short while after the bus clattered away, Remus stepped back and got a good look at Sirius.

“Holy shit,” he said under his breath. His brows tilted inwards and his mouth dropped open. He looked devastated.

“I’m fine.” Sirius desperately wanted to believe it. “It’s just a few cuts and bruises. I'm mostly ok.”

Remus wiped at Sirius’ still sticky nose with his sleeve, frowning. “You look like shit. You’re not fine.” He placed a hand on either side of Sirius’ face and tilted it gently, assessing the damage. Sirius tried his hardest not to lean into the touch and was fairly unsuccessful. “What did they do to you?”

“Remus, please, don’t.” Sirius shook his head. “Look, I’m out now. For good. I’ll be seventeen in November, so I never have to go back.” He paused, “I’ll tell you and Prongs everything later, I promise. I’m just so fucking exhausted.”

“Sirius.” Remus’ eyes bored into him before softening, He ghosted his thumb across Sirius’ bruised, prominent cheekbone. “Let’s get you inside before he has a coronary. I left them making your bed up.”

He took one end of Sirius’ trunk and between them, mostly thanks to Remus, they carried it to the door. Before they entered, he set it down, looking at Remus.

“I really appreciate you being here.” He pressed his lips together as Remus waited for him to continue. “I know I fucked everything up so badly last term. I’m still more sorry than I can put into words. I just— I didn’t ask James to tell you to manipulate you or anything. I didn't expect you to come, I just thought that a part of you would maybe want to know I was safe.”

Remus' face was unreadable for a moment until he sighed, “What you did was so thoughtless and reckless.” Sirius nodded sadly, “But there was no way that I would ever not be by your side for this.”

“What does that mean?”

“I think it means that I’m ready to forgive you.” He said quietly. “You were so fucking vague in your letter, and I know that was probably self-preservation, but the thought of them hurting you made my blood boil and I had to physically stop myself from showing up there. I came straight here.” His cheeks were pink, “I’m saying… that I think I understand how you snapped and told Snape in a moment of rage, or whatever.”

“Oh.” Was all that Sirius could manage.

“I’m so glad to see you, Padfoot.” Remus’ eyes flicked up and met his. “I’m so glad you’re mostly ok."

[mexicanpadfoot]

🐓Marauders in Stardew Valley 🐓

I went off the deep end again, friends! This is my take on who the marauders would be! Obviously some ages don’t align and such, it’s just for funsies.

Alex-Sirius: sporty, crushed dreams, asshole to women but surprising character development when it turns out they’re fruity. Doesn’t live with their parents. Wanted to go pro but was sent to Azkaban Stardew Valley.

Sam-James: aloof kid with no worries, loves his sport accoutrement (skateboard), relative,y easy life.

Harvey-Remus: canon Harvey: I basically live in the hospital, wash your hands! Don’t go die in the mines! I had to fix you up after you ran head first into danger! Fanon Harvey: GRRRRR IM HOT, A-WOOOOOO

Elliot-Gilderoy: I’m such a grandiose writer, come on my boat that totally won’t sink, I think I’m really important but live in this shack? Also my cologne is totally not fish musk!

Sam-Regulus: sad emo boy who hates his parent and has issues-nonissues with a sibling. Why do they love them more than me? Stuck in his cave. Friends usually come to him. Probably doesn’t know how to swim either. Stole the bike from Sirius and picked up his smoking habit too.

Shane-Benjy: douchey, sometimes in the story but you kinda have to seek him out, I can fix him and make him into anything I want!

Pierre-Lucius: I have a wife I treat like shit and don’t deserve, money money money money

Kent: Remus after October 31st, need I say more?

Gus-Peter: I’m kinda doing my thing but also I’m incredibly charismatic and kind, I’ve got the good foods, sometimes overlooked but integral.

Maru-Lily: smart science gurl, boss bitch, single mom who works two jobs, who loves her kids and never stops,

Abigail-Marlene: I want to go into the mines! I want to swing a sword! I’ll beat everyone at egg hunting! Dyed hair lesbian. Could also be Panda because she eats rocks?

Emily-Pandora: ritualistic drugs and imaginary non-native animals

Haley-Mary: hot girl who seems shallow but is more than meets the eye, strangely talented.

Leah-Hope: cottagecore living in the woods woooo

Pam-Druella: sad angry drunk old woman I guess

Jodie-Alice: she just gives me warm mom vibes and I’m sure she could kick my ass if she wanted.

Caroline:Effie: GIVE ME TEA AND HUG ME, LEAVE MONTY PIERRE AND MARRY ME

Marnie-Rosemerta: this woman would eat serving drinks, if she were ever at the bar when I needed her

Morris-Snape: stop spewing propaganda and take a hit please, I’m sure you have a tragic backstory and want to “help the town” somehow but Voldemort capitalism isn’t the answer.

Governor-Arcturus Black: drops in, passes judgement that makes you scrape by or fucks you up, then leaves.

Henchperson-Walburga: evil propaganda machine that’s all

Leo-Teddy: half feral kid with no parents

Mr Qi-Voldy: weird skin lurky dude that’s behind a lot of suspicious things, knows insider information about town, runs a gambling den

Krobus-Evan: dark, lovely, can and will fuck you up, likely ace

Dwarf-Barty: feral little goblin that sells you explosives

Lewis-Dumbledore: I hate this mf so much he is definitely embezzling funds and using other people to do his job. Has a statue of himself

Willy-Madeye: I look a little rough around the edges and as if I should’ve been out of commission a long time ago but I’m still kicking and I’ve got a ship that’ll take you far, kid

Demetrius-Orion: shitty father figure, doing his thing mostly and just being a bother to his family

Robin-Minerva: everyone loves her, highly competent, cutting but nice, lesbian I will not be taking questions

Vincent-Harry: happy wild haired kid

Jas-Luna: airheaded insightful cutie

Sandy-Dorcas: I’m hot, sexy, I can and will fuck you up, bring me roses

Wizard-Alphard: funny comphet past man who fucked off from his family and lives happily in the woods

Marlon-Lyall: hit monster hunter daddy

What do you think, who did I miss?

@toburnawitch this is entirely your fault btw

[fruitcoops]

a prompt:

sirius and regulus argument. probably something which has been manifesting for a while, like it starts with short sly comments and then builds up to create tension within the family (cuz i consider them part of the dumais family) so dumo tries to comfort one or both of them in the end? kinda long prompt, it’s just something that i’ve not seen and would like to see how it would work?

Gnaw at the Bone, because I just can't leave these two alone. Character credit goes to @lumosinlove <3

TW** (please be gentle with yourselves!): canon shit childhoods (no graphic abuse), Walburga and Orion's A+ parenting, sibling parentification, panic attack, bad coping mechanisms (skating), and past minor injuries from said coping mechanisms

“Sirius.”

“Reg.”

His stomach twisted. His head throbbed. His mouth tacked over, lips sticky, chapped, too much, not enough. Years of it. Stars in orbit, on a collision course with anything that came too close—their gravity was inescapable and destructive to the nth degree. They ruined everything but each other. That gravity would rub and chafe and grind at their rough surfaces and it made him sick to think about it.

Oh, it made him sick to think about it.

--

“Sirius.”

“Reg.”

And that was it—a clipped acknowledgment from scowling lips, then resignation. Regulus disappeared down the hall with his pasta. Sirius watched him go, shook his head, and headed in the opposite direction with a white-knuckled grip on his cup.

Alright then.

“Everything okay?” Pascal ventured.

Sirius jumped, his glower lifting for a moment in surprise, as if Pascal hadn’t been sitting there for over an hour. “What?”

Pascal tilted his head toward the empty doorway and set aside the broken toaster. “Everything okay?”

His mouth dipped in a grimace; his brow wrinkled like he was trying to find the weak link in a failing play, but something simmered beneath. “We’ll figure it out,” Sirius finally answered. “We’ll—it’s Reg, you know?”

Pascal didn’t know, actually, but Sirius was gone before he could ask for an elaboration. In fact, the only thing he knew for sure was that Regulus had gone through a period of rapid character development over the past nine months and that Sirius didn’t stop loving him for a single second of it, even through the snappish attitude, even through those horrible interviews that Regulus clearly regretted. They were two sides of the same coin with the unfortunate ability to be as evasive as greased weasels.

Celeste would say he was being nosy. Pascal preferred to think of it as a natural desire to engage with his kids as a loving, supportive parent.

He looked down at the toaster, then back up at the opposing doorways and sighed. It seemed some detective work was in order.

--

“Remus! How are you, mon ami?”

“I’m…good?” To his credit, Remus recovered quickly and offered a light fist bump in greeting. “What’s up?”

Pascal waved a vague hand. “The usual. House is good? Dog is healthy? Boyfriend is happy?”

Bingo. A shadow flickered over Remus’ face before it smoothed out into his usual neutral friendliness. “Yeah, we’re doing great. We were thinking of repainting the living room soon, so if there’s a day you want to borrow the dog, I’m all ears.”

“Parfait, I’ll let you know. And Regulus?”

There it was again—the tension, the twitch, the passive smile. “I think Sirius is just glad to have him home. It’s really been great getting to know him. He’s a sweet kid.”

He might be, but he’s been getting on your nerves, too. If Pascal knew anything, that would piss Sirius off more than any insult Regulus hurled his way. “I’m so glad to hear it. It’s good for them to be near each other right now.”

He clapped Remus on the shoulder and stood before the younger man could respond. It wasn’t just a one-time problem, then; whatever the seething, festering thing between Sirius and Regulus was, it had seeped into their everyday function. Enough that it had even begun annoying Remus ‘Patient’ Lupin. Pascal might not be able to fix their issue, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t give them a nudge in the right direction.

Sirius was right where he left him, hunched on the bench with a whiteboard in hand, though his pen served more as a drumstick than a writing instrument as Pascal approached. The tip-tapping stopped when he ruffled Sirius’ hair and took the seat next to him. “Defense,” Sirius muttered by way of explanation. “There’s a gap. Tremzy’s a killer when he goes in for a shot, but we need to close his spot when he moves.”

Pascal hummed in agreement and propped his skates up on the boards, letting the battered wood take his weight and ease the ache. “Good eyes.”

“ ‘s what I get paid for.”

“You seem tense, mon fils.”

“Hmm?” Sirius blinked. His eye contact was pristine, but his attention was lightyears away. “Sorry, just thinking. Did you need something?”

Pascal offered a wry smile. “What, you’re too old to let me sit with you?”

The deep crease between Sirius’ brows smoothed out; he smiled softly. He blinked again; this time, a bit of him returned. Not beyond all hope of intervention, then. “Non. Desolé. I’m…I’m in my head today.”

“Nothing to be sorry for.”

A few seconds passed before Sirius nodded. Pascal watched his gaze go distant again and his cheek dimpled as he bit the flesh inside. Guilt. Perhaps frustration. A twisted mystery to solve, if Pascal had not been watching him so closely since he first blessed their threshold. It was Regulus, it was Remus and Regulus—

It was something from a time Sirius had been trying to lock down. Ghosts were hard to trap behind hasty boards, nailed haphazard and half-panicked. Sirius was better, not healed. He was safe, not exorcised. He was so goddamn brave it hurt to watch, but Pascal wasn’t foolish enough to miss the way he spooked. And Regulus was a good kid, but a fucking mess all the same.

(Privately, he questioned the decision to go headlong into university right after escaping 18 years of living hell. That was not his place to challenge and not his problem to solve.)

(But still. University? Really?)

Sirius made another note on his board. A canine tooth poked out as he worried at his lower lip. Pascal watched him fidget, hands up and over and under and between, and steadied himself with a slow exhale when Sirius began twirling his pen over his knuckles with a dull, rippling noise.

“Regulus is angry with me.”

Pascal made an impassive noise. It was Regulus.

“I think. Probably.” Sirius’ knee bounced for a five-count before going still. “He’s working through a lot. Finals were hard. It took him off-guard. He got snappy at Remus.”

Remus and Regulus. “Oh?”

“Something about changing his sheets. He didn’t like that we went in his room to clean while he was away.”

Something from a time you’ve been trying to lock down. Not mutually exclusive events, but a progression. Sirius was fixed on a far point, no longer tracking the movement of players. His hands had gone quiet.

“I think I—I think they—” Space hung between them like a bear trap. It was horrible to be right. Sirius exhaled hard and shook his head. “C’est pas grave.”

Pascal bit back his disappointment. He knew better than to think it would spill out so easily. He scooted closer on the bench, and when Sirius didn’t flinch, leaned over to bump him with a gentle shoulder. “Don’t let it eat you up, ouais? Regulus is grown. So are you. It will come in time.”

A halfhearted nod was the best he would get, it seemed. Pascal risked a soft squeeze to the back of Sirius’ neck and—there he was. The loosening of his tense shoulders, the careful lean into the contact. “We’ll talk,” Sirius said.

“Take it slow,” Pascal advised, and prayed to any god that Sirius would at least listen to that. Those who shoved their hands in the cage of a feral animal only came away bitten and rabid. For all his growth, Sirius was plenty feral without the influence of Regulus Black ripping him open again.

They watched the drills together in silence for forty-five minutes. When they were done, Sirius’ clipboard held only blank paper.

--

“Tuney and I were really close. As kids, I mean.”

A light, fluffy cloud passed overhead on the rushing breeze.

“We did everything together. Like, literally everything. Mom used to joke that we should’ve been twins.”

The pain in her voice was one he knew well.

“We started drifting when I hit junior high, I think.” A controlled, even breath followed the gentle sound of a dandelion being picked. A few bits of fluff floated in and out of view. “And then high school came around, and she hated my fucking guts. Shredded all my tights with a fork. Refused to look at me in the lunchroom. Mom and Dad didn’t tell her it was okay, but they didn’t stop her, either. They just kind of sat there and looked sympathetic.”

Quiet fell over them again. A strand of hair billowed over his vision for a half-second. Time for a haircut.

“I still don’t know what I did,” Lily confessed to the afternoon sun. “I still don’t think she’s forgiven me.”

Looking at Regulus now, Sirius thought he might finally understand what she meant.

The corner of Regulus’ mouth was turned down; not more than usual, but enough to be a scowl to anyone who knew where to look. Quietly, he hoped Regulus’ school friends could tell the difference. He deserved to have people like that. Sirius wasn’t sure he had explained that very well before sending him off. Or ever.

“It’s a good book,” he said.

Regulus made a noncommittal noise. He hadn’t turned a page since Sirius paused in the doorway.

Another try. Pull back to the midline, find an open corridor. “One of my favorites.”

“Je sais.”

“Why are you angry with me?”

Once upon a time, he would not have been so bold as to ask. Once upon a time, Regulus would have sunk further into his cocoon. One pale finger traced the edge of the worn paperback. “I’m not angry with you.”

You’re always a little angry with me. “You won’t look at me.”

“God forbid I’m busy.”

“You’re reading.”

“And I’m busy,” Regulus said waspishly. “Go get Remus to take you for a walk, or something.”

Maybe this was where Lily had failed. In one way or another, she and Petunia had missed each other in the middle. He could recall those six terrible, lonely years with too much clarity to let Regulus push him away. Losing him would never be worth an argument won. “I want to spend time with you.”

“Then get your own book.” Regulus muttered something else under his breath that Sirius didn’t care to look into.

He swallowed down a sigh and picked one at random off the shelf, then settled down on the couch opposite Regulus’ armchair. The words could have been in Portuguese, for all they registered in his mind. The edges were soft from many hands. It might have been Remus’, or from the secondhand bookstore in town. God, it could have been one of Sirius’ own favorites for all he knew. He was working on knowing more of those.

The color blue, but a specific shade.

Tater-tot casserole, preferably with meat, acceptable with just cheese.

Books with adventures, books he could run away in.

Poutine with extra gravy.

Henley shirts that stopped at his elbow.

Hoodies—not the zip-fronts—made of heavier fabric. The ones where Remus had fussed with the cuffs.

“What’s your book—”

The sudden snap of cover on page made him wince; an irritated grumble-sigh hung on its coattails as Regulus swept out of the room without a backward glance. Sirius’ stomach turned, and turned, and turned. He always fucked it up. He always tried too hard. He shut his book in silence and set it on the floor, and went to get his skates.

--

I’m not an infant. Bared teeth and clenched fists. A charge in the air, a snake ready to strike. And you are not my fucking mother.

Remus wrinkled his nose and scrubbed harder at the grout.

Nightmarish, is what it was. The summer had been sun-soaked and semi-charmed with only the awkwardness of getting-to-know-you’s to taint it. But that was Remus’ perfect wheelhouse—polite conversation, buttering up, small talk to ease Regulus into a world that wasn’t actively trying to shred him. It had all worked so well.

He didn’t know what went wrong. Worse, he didn’t know how to fix any of it. Regulus was constantly boiling with silent fury like a kettle about to blow and it was terrible. Every second Sirius and Regulus existed within each others’ eyeline was hell. And they were living together. For twelve more days.

If they all survived this, Remus was going to take himself out for a little treat. One that did not involve scrubbing the kitchen grout just to avoid running into either of the ticking time bombs.

Regulus’ hissing colliding with the low, furious timbre of Sirius’ voice was not something Remus wanted to experience again, in this life or the next. Nobody won. Everybody lost in one way or another. Sirius got angry and Regulus got angry and Sirius got defensive and Regulus got mean, flat-out and full-send. Sirius snapped back, Regulus stormed off, and Remus spent the better part of his night assuring Sirius he was not turning into his parents. Rinse, repeat, wish for death.

Commotion kicked up in the living room and went quiet in the same breath—Remus paused to watch Regulus stomp off with a book in one white-knuckled hand and listened carefully for the aftershocks.

The house inhaled with him. The office door closed hard. Sirius’ footsteps were rhythmic as a metronome all the way up the stairs and back down again—Remus bit his tongue when he saw the skates clenched in one hand—and remained that way until the basement door shut him out.

Then, and only then, did Remus let a quiet, “shit” slip through his teeth.

--

Pull back to the midline. Pull back to the midline. Watch, pull back, find your corridor, strike.

The puck skated past the goal without so much as a whisper of net. Sirius hardly heard it hit the boards.

--

Remus looked faintly ill when they arrived at practice; Pascal was grateful for the early warning to prepare himself for Sirius’ perma-scowl and overall vibe of ultimate distress. The change in the atmosphere nearly made his ears pop. Leo made a hasty retreat from the locker room after Kasey, looking as if he had taken psychic damage, and several others watched him leave with unbridled longing.

“On-ice in five,” Sirius said. Ordered. Everything about him looked incorrectly articulated. “We’re running drills, then doing dry lands.”

Not a soul dared to try the usual bitching and moaning. All cheerful conversation had met its abrupt end.

Cole lowered his head and slunk out the door like a stray bit of shadow. The rest of them followed suit within a minute or two, save for James, who steered Sirius into the ice room with a firm hand on his back.

Plastic buckles clinked softly in the empty space left. “They’re worse?”

Remus slumped forward and muffled a groan in both hands. “They’re going to fucking kill each other.”

“Any idea what happened?”

Remus spread his hands with a lost expression.

“Did this start when Regulus came home?”

“It’s just been the past three days.” Remus shook his head, leaning his elbows heavily on his knees with his pads half-done. “I can’t—Reg was fine when he got here. He was fine through Christmas. Sirius mentions we changed his sheets before he came home, and now he wants my head on a pike and my boyfriend to explode.”

Pascal picked at the peeling logo of his shorts. Sheets. What was so special about the sheets? “Were they new sheets?”

“Same ones he used all summer. I literally just washed them and put them back.”

“So…he didn’t like that you were in his space?” Remus half-shrugged, clearly frazzled by the mere memory. “You know, Adele hates it when we go into her room. Even to drop laundry off, or help her clean.”

“No, yeah, Jules is the same. That’s what started it.”

“Started…?” Understanding crept up his throat like battery acid. “He didn’t.”

“It was bad,” Remus said weakly.

“How bad?”

The laces of Remus’ skates dragged on the ground while he shuffled in his stall. The lines of his arms were rigid and upset; he scratched at the back of his wrist, curled over like he was trying to shield his middle. “His feet bled again.”

Pascal closed his eyes. He should have pushed harder against the basement rink eight years ago. He shouldn’t have let Sirius leave so soon.

He forgot, sometimes, how very alone Sirius had been.

“I fixed it,” Remus said after a minute. Of course you did. He sniffed, shaking his head like he could hear Pascal’s thoughts. “It wasn’t too bad. Blisters, mostly, some hotspots. Made him keep the bandaids on for practice. I hate—Dumo, I hate this. I hate living in it, I hate seeing them tear each other apart. It’s so quiet.”

“They need to stop,” Pascal agreed. Remus kept looking at him for—a solution, he realized. Terrible hope. Something desperate and fragile, a young man coming to a mentor for help he just…couldn’t give.

He looked away first. Remus’ exhale felt like a knife.

--

“It’s me, it’s me, it’s me, it’s me—”

“No, no, no,” Remus soothed somewhere in the catastrophe of the world.

Sirius spit, again, and pressed his hands over his eyes, again, and willed the bathroom floor to stop digging into his knees and just swallow him up already. His skin crawled and he wanted to scratch but he couldn’t take his hands away or the room would spin and tip him into nothingness.

Maybe he belonged there. But he had managed to hurt Regulus when he was a country away, so perhaps he wouldn’t even be safe in the ether.

Remus’ hand was cool on the small of his back as he frantically tried to keep his dinner down. He didn’t rub. He didn’t tap. He didn’t so much as twitch. Sirius listed to the side and flashed a hand out to steady himself. The pain of his wrist hitting the cabinet didn’t even register until Remus hissed in sympathy and took his weight in the bend of his arm.

“I am treating him just like they did,” Sirius rasped through the smoke pouring from inside him.

“No.” Remus was begging now. He sounded so tired. He was begging. The room swam in the kaleidoscope of suffering that he really should be used to by now, and Sirius pressed his elbows harder into the toilet seat as his ears began to ring.

You are not my mother.

Sirius gasped in a too-hot breath. It had been directed at Remus, not him. But.

But he was.

It was so sick and twisted and his stomach made sure to tell him that with a real-world example of both those words.

You are not my mother.

She wasn’t, either. Their nannies had come close. Sirius missed them sometimes (often) (aching) (with the hurt of a child).

Remus was not Regulus’ mother but he had been, in the same scream-worthy way he had been his father, too, and his brother. He couldn’t think too hard about how he had been the only one to cuddle Regulus without crying and fuck, there he went, Sirius the drama queen making the whole damn world about him.

“Okay, okay.” Arms came around him, easing the slicing pain of the sobs that caught him in fishhooks. The back of his hand hit the floor. His knees hurt like a bruise. His face was smushed against Remus’ chest and it really should have been uncomfortable. Remus made a noise of sympathy and gathered all the gross, slimy, bits of a Sirius-puddle into his arms because he was a saint. The patron saint of fucking messes, and Sirius was the messiest sinner of them all.

“I’m so horrible to him,” he sobbed, hitching and sticky. Probably incoherent. He mumbled. She hated it when he mumbled. “I’m so horrible.”

You are not my mother.

“It was me.” He gulped for air. Remus’ dizzying words fell quiet at the interruption. He added another note to his list of penance. “It was me, it was, I tried.”

“What did you try?” Remus’ fingertips brushed away a loose, sweaty lock and the sobs came harder after that, wracking him down to his organs, past the precious cradle of his ribs. A warm palm cupped the back of his head and Sirius heard a strangled noise interrupt his own endless babbling. He didn’t know he could make that sound. With the way his throat and body were angled against the unmovable pillar of Remus, though, it shouldn’t have surprised him.

“I was—I was his mother.” It was so hard to breathe through the gasping. “I didn’t know what I was doing but I was his mother but I won’t be her.”

“Oh, god.” Remus sounded weak for a saint. There went another beautiful thing, ruined in Sirius’ messy clumsy hands. And somehow, in the darkness, in the Blackness, a kiss nestled just near his temple.

He couldn’t help but go still, then limp, as all the fight and fear siphoned from his flooded lungs.

Remus breathed like he was going to speak several times before he did. “There are other ways.” His voice was heartbreak. Sirius closed his burning eyes. “Sirius—baby, you know my mom. You know Effie, and Celeste, and you know Lily.”

Lily. He knew Lily. Her green eyes, so much pain and regret. Don’t be like me, Pads. Her green eyes, the way she looked at Harry, the way they matched. Sirius had his mother’s eyes. Had she ever looked at him like that?

“There are other ways to be someone’s mother. And…” His hands stuttered, then began to move again, scritching the back of Sirius’ head. That feeling usually made him go comatose in their bed. “Regulus was trying to hurt me when he said that. You know that, right?”

I am not an infant. And you are not my fucking mother.

Remus kissed him again. The shell of his ear, this time. “It wasn’t about you. I promise.”

But it was. There on the bathroom floor, it was.

--

The woman was watching him with infuriating patience. Sometimes—more often than he cared to count—she would even look away to her clipboard or her phone, and that was even worse. Regulus knew how to be ignored. He fucking hated her nonchalant attention.

Either look at me and pay attention or ignore me properly, he thought with enough force that it should have beamed into her brain directly.

Heather chewed at the corner of her lip and checked her texts again.

“Aren’t you supposed to ask questions?” he finally muttered.

She looked up, milk-mild. “Are you ready to answer them?”

You can’t trick me that easily. “Are they worth my time?”

“I certainly think so.” She tilted her head back and forth for a moment. “But it’s not up to me to decide. That’s your choice.”

“So I can just walk out right now?”

“Sure.”

Regulus only let himself pause for a second before regaining his composure. “I’m pretty sure my brother would murder me if I did that.”

“Your brother didn’t set up this appointment.” A smile made her face even kinder, like a storybook bear. “And I’m not allowed to discuss my other patients’ homicidal tendencies. But yes, Mr. Black—”

“Don’t call me that or I’ll puke, I promise.”

“—yes, Regulus, you are welcome to leave whenever you feel like it. I can’t legally force you into therapy and I don’t particularly want to. If you would prefer to sit here quietly, we’ve still got twenty minutes left.”

He bit the inside of his cheek.

“I have a spare crossword,” she offered.

Gifts. Of course. What an awful woman. He plucked absently at the threads of the armrest and slouched into the too-squishy cushions.

Silence reigned supreme for another five minutes and twenty-four seconds before Heather stretched her wrists and smiled at him again. “It’s good to see you, Regulus.”

“You don’t have to say that,” he snorted.

“I know.”

“So don’t.”

“Alright.” She tapped the side of her thumb on her clipboard. “I’m glad you came back. Is that better?”

“Will you stop with the mind games, please?”

Heather’s eyes softened. His skin crawled. “Regulus, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable in my office. I would vastly prefer it if you did something you enjoy with this time, rather than forcing yourself to come and sit there and be miserable. I’ll sit with you if you’d like, but it seems like that’s not helping.”

His lip curled against his will. “So Sirius told you I’m miserable?”

“I haven’t spoken to Sirius lately.”

“You should. He’s a disaster.” Ignore that I’m a screaming teenage trainwreck.

“If he gets in touch with me, I’ll happily make time.”

“He won’t,” Regulus informed her. He wondered if she would stop him. Was there a point where he was no longer allowed to talk about her other patients? He already felt pathetic enough for refusing to use any therapist except the one Sirius had vouched for.

Heather hummed. “Guess that’s for him to know, and for me to find out.”

Push push push push push— “He’s been a mess. He’s doing that implosion thing he does when I’m mean to him. It’s like he thinks everyone in the whole world depends on him to be happy, and the second they’re not, it’s his fault.”

“And have you?”

“Have I what?”

“Been mean to him?”

“Oh, yeah, I’ve been terrible.” Regulus frowned slightly and sat up. “You know I’m not a nice person, don’t you? You should know that before we start anything.”

Heather seemed interested, but not confused. Infuriating. “Okay.”

“Sirius is the nice one.”

“Okay.” She nodded for a moment. “Why is Sirius nice, but you’re not?”

“You’re not—” He bit his tongue. Being mean to Heather was not what he came here to do. Wasting his time with someone who didn’t understand was not the point of this. “Sirius would have been much happier as a suburban family’s well-loved dog. He’s good like that.”

“Okay.”

“I was ignored for three-quarters of my childhood and have half a dozen complexes and attachment issues because of it. I am not a nice person at all, and so I take it out on Sirius because—I don’t know, I think it’s supposed to feel good, since he had everything and then he left me.” She was still looking at him. Mild and kind. Was everyone in Gryffindor obtuse enough to think he was kidding? “Heather, I am telling you that I’m petty and mean and use my older brother as an emotional punching bag because our parents fucked us up. There is nothing you can say to help me.”

“Supposed to feel good?”

Regulus blinked. “Pardon?”

“You said it was ‘supposed to feel good’ when you’re mean to your brother.” Heather rested her head on her hand. He wasn’t sure when she had put her clipboard aside. “Does it feel good?”

“Oh my god, no,” Regulus laughed hoarsely. “No, it feels like I’m the worst person alive. Why does that change anything?”

--

I just wanted them to like me.

It hadn’t even been about love, in the end. He had given up on that. Forget about pride—that was a lost cause. But he had yearned to be liked, to have a smile turned on him like the ones he only remembered in blurry dreams between sleep and wakefulness. Their father had light crow’s feet by his eyes. They were probably deeper by now. Their love was never going to happen but it really would have been enough to simply be liked. Regulus had been bright enough to stop hanging on to them far sooner; oh, yes, he had always been the smart one.

Heather had seemed sad when he said that. Sirius hated making her sad.

--

Pascal thought he knew where the precipice was. He thought they had more time to reel that celestial disaster back from the brink before they tipped over it, clawing at each other for grip and for hurt. Looking back, he felt like an utter fool for thinking he could have stopped them.

--

“You fucking liar!”

“I wouldn’t lie to you!”

“Yes you would, you always do that!”

“I—” Sirius’ mouth snapped closed; his jaw ticked with tension. “I wouldn’t—”

“You do,” Regulus insisted angrily. “Our whole childhood, and now this. I won’t fall for it anymore.”

“I told you, I didn’t go through your things—”

“Stop it.”

“It was just changing the goddamn sheets—”

“Stop it.”

“God forbid I want you to sleep on something clean!” Sirius shouted back.

Regulus flushed red, bright against his dark hair. “Don’t yell at me!”

“Are you—you started yelling first, you pain in the ass!”

“Oh, I’m just a pain in the ass now?”

Sirius threw his hands in the air with a furious noise and folded them at his nape, shaking his head. His stomach hurt and trembled. His throat was tight, and every swallow had to fight its way around an iron fist. The inside of his cheek was raw and tender from his teeth. “You’re fucking delusional.”

Remus straightened fast. “Woah—”

“I’m delusional?” Regulus laughed humorlessly, hysterically, all dry bonfire wit. “I’m delusional? I’m not the one that tried to start a brand-new family when the old one failed!”

The insides of his ribs were scorched black. “Don’t bring Remus into this—”

“I’m talking about him!” Regulus’ arm shot out. One pale, skeletal finger hovered in midair, an executioner’s axe. A hairline tremor shivered over his skin; his eyes gleamed.

Dumo had both hands on Sirius’ broken toaster, and both eyes locked on Regulus’ hand in shock.

“You had it all planned out, didn’t you?” Regulus’ face contorted. “From the second they called your name on the television. You were going to billet and you were going to go to him and fuck the rest of us, is that it?”

Sirius couldn’t feel his hands. I still don’t know what I did. I still don’t think she’s forgiven me. “Regulus, no.”

But Regulus just nodded, tears welling up despite the guillotine edge of his voice. “You did. And thank fuck for that, because then Logan came along and a brand-new brother just dropped himself in your lap without any effort at all. Your perfect parents, your perfect brother, your perfect, perfect life. How convenient.”

He shook his head. “No. No, it’s not like that.”

But.

But it was. A little bit, it was. Dumo wasn’t his choice but he was Sirius’ escape. And Logan…Logan had been so alone, so afraid, so young, hiding under his baseball caps like Regulus used to hide under his toques. Sirius had caught too many sidelong glances of dark curls and bitten back the wrong name those first few months.

Regulus could smell it on him. Could read Sirius’ guilt like a child’s book. His eye twitched. “I told you not to lie.”

“I didn’t mean to,” Sirius said hoarsely.

“I don’t care.”

“It was not my intent—”

“Fuck your intent.”

Lightning spit up inside him and he choked it down, tasting iron as it went. “Will you let me speak? Or are you going to stand there and yell until you feel better?”

Regulus’ face turned blotchy with rage. “Don’t patronize me.”

“Then stop acting like a child,” he snapped back.

“You sound like—”

“Do not.”

Something burnt coated his tongue as the lightning licked off it in a whipcrack and sparked between them. Regulus looked away, fists balled tight against his sides.

Sirius let the burning out on a controlled breath. “Do not bring them into this,” he continued carefully, even as a scream built under his lungs, kicking its feet and howling. “Do not bring her into this. I am telling you right now that you will not like how it goes for you.”

Regulus’ mouth twisted, petulant and bitter. “You’re really going to threaten me? Now?”

“I don’t threaten, Regulus. I win.”

“Because everything is a competition,” he sneered.

“Because you know better than to start that fight.” Sirius caught his gaze and held it with clenched, snarling teeth. Regulus knew better. Always the smart one, always levelheaded. Regulus, the wordsmith, and Sirius, blowing up the ground he stood on as long as he didn’t come out on the bottom. Locked jaw or locked antlers, dragging them both over the canyon edge before any thought of retreat. He had shouted himself voiceless before bending to their father. A simple locked door couldn’t block the endless screaming matches from Regulus’ memory.

“This isn’t a tantrum,” Regulus said at last.

The slavering dog in Sirius’ head sat back and eased its hold. He jerked his chin. “Then get to the point.”

“You left.”

“I was always going to leave.”

Regulus flinched, but to his credit, kept going. “You replaced us. Me.”

“Logan was never you.” Logan, young and scared, but not Regulus. Never Regulus. It had only ever taken a moment for Sirius to right himself, and less than that to be buried alive in guilt.

Regulus stared at the kitchen table. His nailbeds were white where he clutched the back of a chair. They’d have to get more iron into him while he was home; Sirius didn’t trust the university food. “You never came back.”

“For holidays—”

“You never came back,” Regulus repeated, louder. He blinked fast a few times, inhaling sharply. “You were never there for more than a day or two. You’d go dead the second we sat down together. You never—you never came back.”

“Regulus, that house was going to kill me.”

It came out too soft for the weight of it in the room. Regulus closed his eyes and leaned forward, stretching his arms with an unsteady exhale. Sirius kept his focus despite the building sting in his eyes but he could feel Dumo’s gaze on his neck, could hear Remus’ short inhale. There was no coming back from this. Ever onward, clawing his way out of the depths.

“One way or another, it was,” he continued quietly. “So, no. I didn’t go back. I won’t.”

The blur of Regulus tilted his face toward the ceiling with another shaky breath, still blinking fruitlessly as drops of mirrored light slipped down his cheeks. “Then how—?” He broke off and cleared his throat hard enough to make Sirius wince. “How could you leave me there?”

“I didn’t want to.”

It meant nothing; they both knew that. It still felt right to get it out there.

“I thought you’d come back,” Regulus said. “I thought you’d try. Once—once you had your first paycheck, or something.”

It hurt so much more to hear old, broken hope than anger. “They knew where I lived.”

“Then we’d move.” We. A child’s daydream. They made me hate you, but I never did. A phone number memorized for six and a half years. “We’d go somewhere else.” Regulus ran his sleeve under his nose and shook his head. “I was so alone. I don’t—” He looked up and immediately, his lip curled in disgust. “Oh, god, don’t look at me like that.”

“Reg—”

“Like a fucking puppy, merde.” He yanked his sleeves down over his hands and scrubbed viciously at his face, lingering over his eyes a second longer before letting them dangle at his sides again. He sniffled, then did a double-take when he saw Remus and Dumo on the other side of the room. “Why are you still here?”

“Um.” Remus glanced over at Sirius, but he had nothing to offer. “It…felt wrong to leave.”

Regulus rolled his eyes, though the effect was dampened by his red cheeks and slight pout. “You are all so codependent.”

“Don’t be mean,” Sirius chided instinctively.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Regulus gave him a quick up-and-down look. “We’re both ugly criers. Shit. Yell at me again.”

“…no?”

“Just do it, it’ll make me feel better.”

“I’m not going to yell at you.”

“Don’t make me insult you more. My throat hurts.”

“Do you want a hug?”

“No.” They stood in silence for another fifteen seconds. Wool socks scuffed on the floor. Regulus gnawed at the inside of his lip, then stepped around the side of the table an inch. “If it’ll make you feel better.”

--

He was over six feet tall, now. His hockey muscle had yet to fade. He felt—

Small. He felt safe. A shudder ran down his aching back. It had been so long since he felt safe.

“Desolé.” Sirius’ voice vibrated in the burrow of his chest and Regulus pressed his face to it as hard as he could. “Desolé, mon etoile.”

Tears snuck up on him in bursts; he pushed closer, closer, tucking his arms between them and shuffling forward until he could stand on the front of Sirius’ stupid slippers and let the cold floor fall away. He was tired of drowning, but it was hard to remember how to let the water out.

Sirius sniffed above him. The kiss to the top of his head was more of a hard bump than anything else. His arms were tight and warm around Regulus’ back, one palm cupping the back of his head. “I never forgot you.”

“Je sais,” Regulus croaked back.

“I never forgot you.”

Don’t, don’t, don’t. He coughed to clear the brackish muck from his lungs. He wasn’t pretty like this, and he knew it. But neither was Sirius, so maybe that was okay. Just this once. He could be held like a child, just this once. It was a long time before they spoke again.

“I don’t want to see Heather anymore.” He breathed in Sirius’ laundry soap and the same deodorant they had both been wearing for years. The rushing flood in his head had become a stream, had become a trickle. His heartbeat pulsed behind his eye. “I want—I want to see someone else.”

Sirius’ shoulders relaxed enough that he could feel each muscle release. “Good.”

“I still haven’t told my friends about—the everything.” He felt Sirius nod and gathered two fistfuls of his hoodie. “I want to stay at school.”

“D’accord.”

“What if they find out?” He held on tighter, pressed his face to Sirius’ calm heart. “What happens when they find out how horrible I am?”

Sirius huffed. “You’re not horrible.”

“I am.” That was the deal. He was the villain so Sirius could be the hero. He was the junkyard. Spare parts to be hosed off and trotted out when they needed him.

“Regulus, you’re nineteen.”

He frowned. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Everyone’s horrible at nineteen.”

“What if I’m…” He wracked his brain for something smart. It blew a raspberry at him and fucked off back to sleep. “…extra horrible?”

Sirius sighed, scratching lightly behind his ears. Regulus felt his eyelids droop against his will. “If you turn out to be extra horrible by—I don’t know, 21, we’ll talk.”

“What if they fucked us both up too bad?”

He winced—Sirius’ steady motions stuttered briefly. He hadn’t meant to let that one slither out from its careful cage. That was a thought for sleepless nights in a cold hotel bed and watching the sun rise in a strange city through dry, tired eyes. When his hands were blistered and bleeding, he’d wonder whether that Black blood could ever really be gone from him.

Sirius’ head was a gentle pressure on his own. “Then it’s us against the world, isn’t it?”

--

Gryffindor airport was quiet at 7 in the morning. Dumo stifled a yawn in the back of his hand as he passed the rolling suitcase to a boy that was far too awake for the early hour, in his opinion. Youths.

“You have everything?” Sirius checked. “You’ll be safe?”

“I’m literally fine.” Regulus arched a brow. “And less than four hours away, if you speed.”

“You’ll call when you land.”

“I’ll text.”

Sirius wrinkled his nose. “If you don’t, I’m filing a missing person report.”

Regulus turned to Remus. “Can you keep him on a leash? Or just sedate him?”

“You think I haven’t tried?” Remus laughed.

Sirius fixed them both with a weak scowl. “Will you just get on the plane?”

“I thought you wanted me to stay.”

“I want you—” Sirius took Regulus by the shoulders and turned him around with a firm grip. “—to have fun and live life and not die. The bar is on the ground. Do not dig under it.”

“Killjoy.”

“Pest.” Sirius kissed the top of his head. “Fly safe. Text.”

“Wait until I’m on the place before you start crying. I don’t want your gross emotions all over me.”

“Well, we can’t disturb your delicate sensibilities.”

“Sirius?”

“Reg.”

Regulus paused, laden with his duffel and rolling bag, and kicked the toe of Sirius’ sneaker lightly. “Love you.”

Sirius’ smile was close-lipped and small and brighter than the rising sun outside the massive bay windows. He kicked him back, even more gently. “Get on your plane.”

[mrsfrecklesmarauders]

The year The Lupins lived at the Blacks' manor, many things happened.

One of them was the friendship between Hope Lupin and little Regulus Black.

While his brother Sirius found companionship with the Lupins' only child, Rosalind, Regulus felt lonely.

Hope's dream was to be a teacher. But she was stuck with being a maid at The Manor. While her husband was Mr. Black's personal accountant. They lacked of money but not of love.

When Regulus was eight years old, he was ignored by his father who was drown in work and only obsessed with his heir Sirius. He was ignored by his mother who was depressed and had drinking problems. Ignored by the rest of his family who saw him as a whinny baby.

And he was ignored by his brother who found a cool best friend to replace him with. Sirius said Regulus was too little for things now. Rosie was everything. Rosie was his pranking partner. Rosie was his playmate. Probably his stupid girlfriend.

Regulus became nothing.

So Regulus wandered around the mansion lonely and bored. Entertaining himself with silly things kids did.

The maids and servitude usually ignored him. He was the young master after all. Only Hope took notice of him.

When the boy was lonely, Hope asked him things and played with him when she was free. Hope grew to have a special care for that boy. And Regulus grew to like her. She was the only one who actually paid attention to him. She was so tender. She was so kind. She was wise. She was happy. Everything a mother should be. Everything Walburga was not.

In Hope, Regulus found his first best friend. Besides his brother that was. The first grown up he trusted.

When the Lupins left, out of the sudden, Sirius cried for Rosie. Regulus secretly cried for Hope. In her absence, he figured he missed her. And after her, he compared Walburga with her a lot.

How Walburga would never be that kind.

"I heard your mother died" Regulus told Remus many years after. Lupin, now a boy, was back into Sirius’s life again.

But Hope wasn't back into Regulus's.

"Yeah, two years ago" Remus answered sadly.

"I'm sorry" Regulus was. Because he couldn't believe that kind woman was dead. He didn't even say goodbye. He even forgot about her for a while. How silly.

"It's okay. It's not your fault" Remus said sympathetically.

"She was always kind to me. When she worked at the house" Regulus added "I don't know if she told you"

To his surprise, Remus smiled "Reg, she was constantly talking about you. She had great care for you and Sirius... But mostly for you"

And Regulus noticed the spark of jealousy in his voice. Though he tried not to notice.

Remus had been lucky to have a woman like Hope as a mother. Regulus only had a taste of her love and tender for a year. Remus had it for fourteen years. She was his mum after all.

Now Regulus was a bit jealous. Walburga was his mother. But she would never be what Hope was. Not if Regulus wished it with all the heart.

That thought made his eyes fill with tears and he looked away. "I cared for her too" he whispered under his breath.

"What was that?" Remus asked.

Regulus swallowed his tears because it was odd that he had cared for someone who wasn't his mother, not even his blood.

"I said I have to go" Regulus said instead "See you around, Lupin"

[lulublack90]

Prompt 26 - Transfiguration

@jegulus-microfic March 26 Word count 1000

Previous part First part

“Sirius, I told you not to try and put your own eyeliner on without me,” Remus told him between fits of laughter. 

“You look like a sad panda!” Regulus was almost useless at this point. His laughter shook his entire frame, and he was struggling to breathe. 

“Oi, sod off then!” Sirius sulked. 

“Sirius, wait!” Regulus called, getting his laughter under control. “Is James there?”

“Yeah. Hang on a sec, and I’ll get him. JAMES!!!” He bellowed, not even bothering to move away from the mirror. 

“What’s up, Padfoot? You alright?” Huge guffaws burst from James’s mouth once he caught sight of Sirius’s botched makeup attempt. 

“Oh, bugger off, Prongs!” Sirius stormed off. He dropped the mirror on the bed so Regulus and Remus got a lovely view of the ceiling. James grabbed it up, and his face filled the glass. 

“Hi, love, you alright? Hi Remus.” He waved. 

“Hi,” Remus waved back. Regulus nodded. 

“Is Sirius coming back?” He asked. 

“Sirius, you coming back or not?” James called just as loudly as Sirius had. They could hear Sirius shuffling back into the room, and he appeared next to James, now free from his makeup. 

“I found it,” Regulus smirked. “Took it right out from under Lucius’s nose.” The three of them gawped at him in disbelief. 

“Where was it?” Sirius asked. 

“In his library on the centre bookcase.”

“Are you kidding?! Godric, he’s an idiot.” Sirius snorted. 

“Will he notice it’s gone?” Remus asked seriously. 

“I don’t think so. He caught me near it, but I pretended to be really drunk, and he got me out of there, probably scared of his first editions. I used a transfiguration spell of a—on something else there and imbued it with a small amount of dark magic at the same time. I doubt Lucius will be able to tell the difference.”

“Are we meeting at Rosier House tonight, then?” James wanted to know. 

“No. Both of my parents are here, and it’s late. If we go out now, it will be suspicious. Mother has meetings or something most of the day tomorrow. So we’ll meet, say, around 9? As long as the coast is clear.”

They made their goodnights, and all went to bed. 

Walburga left early the next morning, and so did the boys. 

They were surprised to see James, Sirius and Lily already there, waiting for them in the house. 

“You’re here early,” Regulus said as he accepted a kiss from James. James shrugged. 

“Sirius and I are. That one stayed the night,” He jabbed his thumb at Lily and was hit with a tickling hex. “Worth it,” He gasped. 

“Come on then. Spill the beans. Why have you gathered the Thestrals at this ungodly hour?” Evan questioned, stopping Lily and James from going any further. Regulus pulled the diary from his pocket and held it up. 

“I found it.” He told them. And when he explained where he found it, Barty chirped in. 

“What is with these guys and being such—” Pandora waltzed over and stuffed a cauldron cake in Barty’s mouth as they all knew what had been about to come out of his mouth. He stuck his fingers up but mostly quietly ate his treat.

“So now all we need to do is destroy them?” Lily asked Regulus. He nodded. “Great, I’ll go get the venom.”

“Wait,” He stopped her. “I think we need to take them somewhere to do it. In case something happens when we try and destroy them.” 

They sat for a while, thinking of places to go. 

“Random field?” Evan suggested. 

“If we could properly ward it. But then, if the field is destroyed, how would we cover it up?” Regulus rebutted. They kept coming up against the same problem. If the Horcruxes destroyed the area, how would they hide it? 

“What about the forbidden forest?” Remus wondered aloud. “As long as we stay clear of the centaur heard and the acromantula. We should be left alone, and if we destroy a bit of the forest, it’s huge and will regrow itself over what was lost.” Sirius and James both nodded, thinking it was a great idea. 

“What do you mean acromantula? Are there actually acromantula in the forest?” Barty and the others had gone slightly paler than usual at the thought of the murderous arachnids. 

“We know where they are. As long as we don’t go near the nest, we’ll be fine.” Sirius waved off their fears. “We’ve been in there loads of times and never had a problem.”

“Right, it’s settled then. We meet tomorrow in the forbidden forest.” He looked to James. “Where should we actually meet?”

“Wait in the trees behind Hagrid’s cabin. That’s probably going to be the easiest place to gather, especially if we arrive at different times.” He looked around the room at the seven other people. “I can do this on my own, you know. You can all stay here, and I’ll go on my own.”

“What, and let you take all the glory, fuck off,” Barty smirked. 

“Can’t do tomorrow, Reggie,” Sirius spoke up. 

“Why not?” Sirius had nothing else to do. He’d been complaining for days that Moody wouldn’t give him an assignment. 

“It’s Jamie’s birthday, and we have a date with Monty and Effie.” Regulus spun to look at James, horrified. 

“I forgot your birthday.” 

“Don’t worry about it. You’ve had a lot on your mind.” James consoled him. 

“You guys free in the evening?” Evan asked. 

“Yeah. Should be. We’re just having lunch with my parents.” James answered. 

“Good. That means you can come to you’re birthday party here.” Pandora beamed at him. She grabbed Lily’s hand. “Come on, dear, let’s go catch some fairies for the lights.” And she skipped out of the room, towing Lily behind her. 

“That okay, delaying a day?” James asked Regulus.

“Of course, we’ll go to the forest after.” James beamed at him and scooped him up to plant a kiss on his lips.   

Next part

[nightingale2004]

C.O.B information series pt.2

When Cassiopeia first met the marauders, she was weary about them.

She didn't like James at first sight due to Sirius telling her how close they had become their first year together. Cassie feared that James was replacing her and Regulus

She thought Peter was spineless and a bit of a pervert

She thought Remus was just as much of a coward as Peter, but she did see his kindness, and as she grew up, she understood why her brother loved him.

When Cassie was first sorted into Ravenclaw, Sirius was so proud of her and that she was the second child to break tradition.

When she first met Severus, she was incredibly surprised that he didn't immediately fawn over her or beg to be her friend or even showed a hint of admiration like everyone else.

He looked at her like she was normal and not a rare jewel to be admired, and he didn't like that she was Sirius's sister. He was still not afraid to speak his mind

This immediately caught Cassie's attention despite her brother telling her to stay far away from the "greasy git" as possible

During her first year at Hogwarts, she can regretfully admit that she had a hand in some of the pranks the Marauders pulled on Severus due to Cassie wanting to stay close with Sirius

After months of pranks, she noticed they started to get intense and almost fatal. So one day, she turned one of the marauders' pranks on them, which, as one can imagine, caused problems between Cassiopeia and Sirius

After Cassie officially cut ties with the marauders, she immediately tried to earn Severus's forgiveness (which took all of the end of her first year to half of her 2nd year)

After she earned Severus's forgiveness, she became close with Lily and Severus and noticed how talented both of them were despite their blood status.

As she grew closer to Severus, she was getting more distant from Sirius, and although Sirius and his friends were still pranking Severus, she started to also become a target.

She also noticed how Lily did not like Severus's interest in the Dark Arts and would say hurtful things to him, but Cassie couldn't see anything wrong with it and would question Lily about it which would soon turn into an argument that Severus would end or try to end between the two witches

Cassie was always ahead of almost every class. The only classes she would have trouble with were potions (Severus tutors her) and Flying (she has a fear of heights)

When Regulus came into Hogwarts and was sorted into Slytherin, Cassie made Severus swear to look after her little brother since he was softer than her and Sirius, to which Severus agreed to but only because it was Cassie

When Cassie would leave on break to go home, she kept in touch with Severus and they would often write to each other about pretty much anything (academics, potion ideas, new spell ideas, and even plans of the future)

During her time in Hogwars, she found out about the marauders being Animagus, so she wanted to give it a try, and she became a Raven, which has helped her fear of heights and flying

Walburga and Orion know about Cassiopeia's friendship with Severus (of course they do), and they let it go on for so long purely because he's a slytherin and Lucius and now their own daughter speak highly of him

Regulus never understood both his older siblings' obsession with the Half-blood until he started hanging out with him himself. So now he understands his sister's liking to Severus.

The day that Sirius left, Cassie begged him to stay, despite that they've grown apart, she still had love for her older brother.

After he left, she would cry herself to sleep and drink dreamless sleep for weeks. She even noticed how her own mom was crying while she burned the pictures of Sirius off in their home (Walburga left some pictures alone)

Cassie would also comfort Regulus when he was upset about Sirius

After weeks of mourning Sirius's disownment, Cassie knew what it meant for herself and Regulus. So she made plans to keep all the attention on herself and work hard to be the next heir and head of House Black and make sure that Regulus has some innocence left

After Severus and Lily ended their friendship, Cassie continued to be there, even after Severus tried to push her away and say hurtful things to hurt. She knew he never meant any of it.

After the Snape gang was formed, Cassie and Severus led them and were big rivals to the marauders

Cassie and Avery also got to know each other more during this time. At first, they hated each other due to their differences, but soon, it became more playful, and they got along well. Well enough for both of them to realize their true feelings

Before the "Prank" happened, Cassie saw it in a vision, but it was unclear. She only saw Severus, a werewolf, a full moon, and running.

She tried to warn Severus and tell him to stay put, but he didn't listen and went anyway. So Cassie followed him in her Raven form, and when she saw that Remus was a werewolf and about to hurt Severus, she flew down to distract him but got scratched by Remus in the process and passed out in her human form

James came in and saved both Severus and Cassiopeia. Taking them to Madame Pomfrey

Cassie was injured with Claw marks on her right eye across to her lower left chin. Her eye was injured in the process, but nothing Pomfrey couldn't fix. Severus, on the other hand, only had a bruise or two, but he stayed close to Cassie

After Sirius found out, soon all of Hogwarts found out, and word got out to Orion and Walburga, who immediately took Cassie out of the Hogwarts infirmary and put her in St. Mungos to fix the damage that was done

Sirius tried to visit his sister, but his 'former' parents forbade him too. The only people that were allowed to visit her were her friends (severus included) and her family, who wasn't disowned

Walburga found out (by using legilimens) that it was a werewolf that attacked her, and it was near Hogwarts. So she and Orion made a call to the ministry to have all werewolf hunters hunt down the werewolf that harmed Cassie inside and outside of Hogwarts

Dumbledore sent Remus home before the ministry acted, and Sirius's time at Hogwarts during the search was worse since James and Peter could barely look at him, and literally everyone at Hogwarts was freaking out including the Wizarding world itself

Many people started making rumors that Sirius planned the attack as a way to get his title as heir back, or an assassination attempt on his sister out of jealousy and so forth, but his parents knew better, they knew whatever Sirius's role was in this, he loved his sister too much to hurt her.

Eventually, the hunt died down, but they got an "anonymous" tip that a werewolf was spotted far away in London

After the hunt near Hogwarts was over, Remus came back along with Cassie and Severus, who both took an oath to never speak of Remus's secret

After Cassie was back, Sirius tried to make amends, but Cassie had lost all love for her brother that night when he sent Severus straight to Remus without thinking.

Cassie had disowned Sirius as well that day, including Regulus, who didn't believe the rumors but knew his own brother had a hand in Cassie's condition.

Remus barely even looked at Sirius since that night and made his own amends with Cassie and Severus

Cassie's eye healed, but the scars weren't since they were made by a magical creature and couldn't be erased. She also inherited the werewolves' short temper and aggression due to the scar.

Cassie was also always accompanied by every pureblood Slytherin and Ravenclaw that was loyal to her and her family and were pretty much her bodyguards (including Charity and Aurora)

(All I got for today. Please enjoy)

[princeblack]

regulus wishes more than anything that he could not care about walburga, just like bee says. but he’s spent his entire life caring too much; trying to assume the best of every adult in his life and doing what he can to ‘carry his weight’ and be a good son and wizard. he’s tired of doing it, and angry that he spent so long trying. he wonders what it’s like growing up with emma and amos as parents— surely the intense expectations were there, with amos. or maybe he just fully forgot about bee and her loveliness, trying to bury that pain of being reminded emma loved remus. bee didn’t deserve any of it, and he hates that she was separated from the father who could’ve reminded her how perfect she is. he supposes he’ll just have to do it himself. 

he can’t read her expression, when he talks about his family traditions. he’s sure she’s horrified, just like most of hogwarts now seemed to be. it was outdated, the way the old families did things. to him it’s tradition; one he begrudgingly accepted, but still trying to be proud of, until very recently. she surprises him by not commenting on it, instead asking him about what he wants in a partner and centering the conversation on the fact he has a choice now. he’s never really had someone do that before— even sirius was more stern with him when he was trying to convince him to be his own person.

he considers her question seriously, falling quiet. “i want someone who’s as warm as this treehouse,” he says easily, because that’s obvious to him already. “and not concerned with status or money or power… someone who wants to raise a family because they love children and not because they’re tools to be used.” he pauses, thinking about physical characteristics. “she has to be the most beautiful girl i’ve ever seen, with big blue eyes and ribbons in her hair.” his voice gets a little lower as he leans in, gaze flickering from her lips to her eyes again. “she’s brunette and has a perfect body.”

the way she compliments him paired with agreeing she would get on top of him makes him smile. “that’s hot. you could do whatever you wanted to me,” he purrs, already envisioning how she would look sitting above him. “i’m not a good boy, but i would be for you.”

she reminds him she doesn’t know how to control it and he studies her for a moment before answering. “i’m sure that’s scary, with everything going on.” she seems like she’s had so much more stress than she deserves, and pain to go along with it. he wishes he could take it all from her, knowing fully well that he would give up this second chance at life if it meant he could make this girl full of sunshine any happier at all.

she suggests going with him to get an owl and he smiles, because he’d always wanted to get an animal but never did because walburga didn’t want any of the mess in her home. he had tried to tell her it was nonsensical to be worried about, since kreacher’s cleaning spells are quick, but she didn’t budge on the matter. “i’ve always wanted one. it’ll be even more special, with you there.” he’s sure the creature will take to bee just as quickly as he has. “and it’ll make for the perfect first date.” he hopes that’s what she wants, because he already likes her so much that he doesn’t know what he would do if they weren’t on the same page. she’s like a raft in a storm, saving him from sinking.

“as big as my what?” he asks with a smile. “you can’t stop thinking about it, can you? luckily for you, you can look at it whenever you please…” he leans in, brushing her hair out of her face as his thumb traces her cheek gently. 

he wants to touch her again, as soon as he sees the tears shining in her pretty blue eyes. she explains what happened to cedric and his chest feels like it’s splitting open, a lump in his throat. he had suspicions about how he was killed, but he foolishly clung to the hope that maybe it was something that couldn't be helped and voldemort wasn't hurting people to this degree in regulus's absence. he hoped it wasn't completely and utterly preventable, if only people like regulus had fought back instead of supporting voldemort. or maybe if dumbledore cared enough to refuse to be apart of the tournament, especially knowing voldemort was in power. “i’m so sorry,” he says quietly, looking down. “so many people failed you. dumebledore was one of them and so was i.” maybe she would try to argue he wasn’t, because she’s the sweetest girl he’s ever met, but it doesn’t stop it from being true. “i would give anything in the world to bring him back to you… you and your family didn’t deserve this.” he hates war and he hates everything these stupid beliefs have done to people. at the end of the day, was it even about fear, or was it about one man seizing power because he needed it to feel anything? regulus doesn’t know the answer, but he hates voldemort all the same.

it’s sweet that she’s offering him her books, as if she want to encourage him. he had friends in the year he died, but he never opened up enough to admit to them the things even his mother shamed him for. he feels vulnerable in a way he hasn’t before, which feels consistent considering he was naked in the forest not long ago. “maybe i’ll read them all and impress you,” he says, already knowing he’s going to anyway. “what’s your type? since you asked what mine was.” he knows it’s him, but he would never get tired of hearing it and in fact he’s using every opportunity to do so.

his hand slides up to the side of her neck as she kisses his cheek, touching her gently even as she pulls away. “you’re my first time, too… if you want to be.” he’s never had sex before, not prioritizing his horniness when he had other things to do. besides, he never liked anyone in a meaningful way, so it didn’t feel right. not when so many girls wanted him, asking him out enough times that it drew ire from james potter, who wanted everyone’s attention and especially lily’s. at least it worked out for him in the end, even if regulus still isn’t sure he would ever like james.

there’s something dirty about their words, especially given they’re in the middle of emma and amos’s dining room. he already feels himself getting hard from her cheek kisses and flirting, but it feels even more intense when she asks him lowly about if he can handle her. he leans in, cupping her face, the plate beside them forgotten (she tastes better than the pancakes, anyway). “are you implying i can’t keep up because i’m older? what happened to respecting your elders, baby girl?” he glances down at her mouth, but doesn’t kiss her. “i can do everything you ask of me and more, and i can do it all night.”

she even curses when she compliments him, which makes him harder. “that’s how i feel about you… i think i would kill someone, just to make you mine.” she’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen and he wants to taste every inch of her body, covering her in him. it feels like an inevitable soulmate connection to him, or maybe he’s just a romantic. but even without that emotional connection he would be dying for her, his green eyes glued to her body and checking her out because she’s perfect in every way.

he allows her to lead him to the bedroom, their fingers intertwined and his stomach fluttering. the mood changes a little as they walk in; or maybe it’s just the space cedric left behind. it’s warm and full of fondness, from the handsome smiling boy in the pictures next to a girl smiling just as big, to the warm colored quidditch posters covering the walls. he can tell cedric was a hufflepuff by the banners and even the yellow and black blanket on the bed.

regulus turns to look at bee, who is using her sweetest voice to encourage him to go take a shower, as if she hadn’t just walked into her recently dead brother’s room. his heart aches for her, so he steps forward, folding her in his arms and hugging her to his chest. “thank you,” he says softly, burying his face in her shoulder. he cradles her tightly, his arms sliding down her back.

"I don't think you should hate her..." bee starts, a gentle smile on her lip. his mom sounded like an awful lady, especially given her ideology hurts people just like her mother who was the best person in the world. she looks up at him, shaking her head with a sad smile. "hate means you still care...and you shouldn't care about people who are so cruel." bee doesn't blame him though, she doesn't hate her parents even though they haven't done anything half as bad as walburga did.

she's not totally sure how she should respond, she knew of pure blood families and how a lot of them liked to keep things...close. she's not sure how anyone could be happy living a life like this one where you couldn't choose who you loved, everything was arranged, everything was kept in the family...nothing was real or genuine and true love didn't exist. "so, now that you can make your own decisions...like chose who you marry. who would you chose to love?" she smiles, genuinely interested in what he looks for in a love interest as opposed to who he was chosen to love by rules and standards. "I guess you haven't really had to think about who your ideal type is though..." she frowns.

she discovered she had ancient magic abilities not long after cedric was killed. her first panic attack and she nearly blew out the lights in the hufflepuff common room causing other students to freak out a little. she's still working on controlling her power but it seems almost impossible, no one really knows much of ancient magic which is why they call it ancient. "just because you're a bad boy doesn't mean you aren't still hot...but sure I guess I could get on top of you, make sure you behave." she teases, smirking at him. he calls her a special girl and she shakes her head a little, smiling at his words. "I mean I don't really know how to control it yet...it's kind of like having so much power and not knowing what to do with it." she sighs, shrugging her shoulders a little, blue eyes flickering down to the ground.

"yeah, we could go together..." she smiles shyly. "maybe we could get you an owl? and your wand and go to your place of course." she smiles softly. it kind of sounds like a date and she doesn't know if it does to him but it makes her heart flutter regardless. "it'll be fun, I'd love to see where you live...or lived I guess." she knows it'll probably be like a castle, a beautiful castle gothic and beautiful like himself.

she laughs a bit when he asks her to continue to tell him how she thinks he's pretty, a bright smile on her lips as she rolls her eyes playfully. "maybe later, I think your ego is getting as big as your...she paused eyes flickering down to his dick as she smirks softly.

he points out how barbaric it is and she nods sadly, blue eyes flickering towards the ground as she frowns a bit. her brother died because of dumbledore, he was murdered in cold blood and nobody did anything to protect him...they never did anything to stop it. she can feel her eyes stinging. "yeah maybe if they had thrown dumbledore to the wolves my brother wouldn't have been the sacrificial lamb for the slaughter." she says, feeling sick thinking about how this never would've happened if they weren't so incompetent. "my brother died because of the games...well, sorta. I guess it's kind of a long story but the cup was a portkey and he got sucked in with harry potter whose name was never supposed to be submitted into the cup to begin with and it turns out that it was all one big plot for voldemort to get his hands on harry but my brother cedric got caught up in it because he's so stupidly selfless." she sniffs trying not to cry as she wipes away an escaped tear. "and dumbledore could've stopped it but he didn't he knew the games were dangerous and he had to have known something weird was going on but he didn't care and now my brother is dead. it's horrible to say but I wouldn't mind seeing him become food for the dragons."

it's hard not to smile at his words about her notes in her old dragons book, giggling a bit. "you'll have to tell me what I wrote, I read that book so many times I got sick of it I haven't read it in awhile...I have other dragon books too you could read all summer until you're an expert." she smiles pressing a kiss to his cheek again. biting down on her lower lip "I can see that...but you should know, that's my first time ever seeing anything big and beautiful." she teases.

his next words make her blush, heat going up to her face and down between her legs as he refers to himself as 'daddy' and she's his girl. she shouldn't like it as much as she does, it makes her feel like she's about to burst into flames. she bites down on her lower lip, eyes flickering to meet his and then back to his lips. "do you think you could handle me every night? you might look and feel young but can my sweet husband handle his duties every single night I ask for him?" she smirks as he leans in closer, wanting so bad to just say fuck it and kiss him. it's clear what they're doing even for someone who has never actually done anything like herself but she still feels a bit shy. "fuck...you're gorgeous."

he praises her, calling her a good girl for the way she just totally lost herself by sucking on his finger. now she's horny and blushing so bad as he licks his thumb and takes her hand, allowing her to lace their fingers together. she drags him down the hall, cedric slept on the bottom floor with her room next to it separated by a large bathroom though his room was the second larger bedroom in their tree house. she uses her free hand to push the door open and drag regulus inside. it's a peaceful sadness, but it felt so empty since her brother left, nothing but hufflepuff decor and pictures of sora and his life at hogwarts to fill the room without him. she knows they'll likely take a lot of it down to keep it safe but also so regulus doesn't feel as though he's sleeping in someone else's room, she drops his hand and smiles. "there should be everything you need already in the shower....I'll set this space up for you and it'll be ready by time you're all squeaky clean, and you can feel free to borrow his clothes until we get yours tomorrow..."

[engie-ivy]

(I know this prompt has come and gone @wolfstarmicrofic, but you know I can't resist Prince Sirius😅)

8th: Royal

Remus wants to get as far away as possible from the man who broke his heart. Sirius will stop at nothing to track down the man who broke his heart.

(Don't worry, happy ending!)

The innkeeper looks vaguely surprised as she takes in the combination of his high quality clothes and dishevelled appearance as he enters the old-fashioned, but well-kept inn. So has the innkeepers in the previous three inns he visited, who had looked even more surprised when he had simply looked around the common room and left again.

He has a good feeling about this one, though.

The innkeeper recognizes him as someone who might have some coin on him, so she lets him pass without any questions. As he enters the common room, he immediately spots what he has been looking for. Or rather, who he has been looking for.

Like a wolf having spotted his prey, he walks across the common room to the man sitting at a table in the back, drinking a mug of ale. He stops when he’s standing right in front of the man’s table.

“You’re a hard man to track down.”

The man puts down his mug and looks up, his eyes the exact shade of amber as the ale. Eyes that he’s used to seeing filled with warmth, but that are now cold and void of any emotion. “Ever considered I did not want to be found?”

He slides the other chair back and sits down.

The man sighs when he realises he isn’t going to escape this confrontation. “What do you want, Black?”

“An explanation,” Sirius replies. “You owe me that much.”

For the first time Sirius sees emotion in Remus’ eyes, as they flare with anger. “I don’t owe you a damn thing!”

Sirius regards him calmly. “So, was that what it was all about then? When the money and the titles were gone, you decided that wasn’t what you signed up for?”

“What I ‘did not sign up for’,” Remus hisses. “Was being your dirty little secret!”

Sirius observes him for a moment as something starts to dawn on him. He takes a piece of parchment out of his pocket and throws it on the table. “I reckon that you’ve seen the proclamation?” He asks calmly.

“How could I have missed it? It was all over town.” Remus purposely doesn’t look at the parchment, where the heading of the proclamation is clearly visible:

Royal Wedding Forthcoming! Crown Prince of the House of Black announces betrothal to Lady Heloise of the House of Lestrange

“And did you read the proclamation?” Sirius asks.

“The title was already entertaining enough,” Remus sneers. “Forgive me for not wanting to learn all details about your future marital bliss.”

Sirius slides the parchment over to Remus. “Read it.” It’s not a question, it’s a command, as only someone who was born and raised a ruler can command.

Remus glares at him, but then his anger makes place for resignation as he takes the parchment, his eyes not leaving Sirius’. “So, I must drink your poisoned chalice to the last drop,” he murmurs, before he starts to read.

“It is with great joy that His Majesty the King Orion, and Her Majesty the Queen Walburga, of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black announce that their son and heir and successor to the throne has selected a suitable bride. A long-awaited unification of the noble bloodlines of the House of Black and the House of Lestrange shall occur as Lady Heloise Lestrange shall be wed to Your Royal Highness Crown Prince Regulus Arcturus Black-”

Remus’ eyes snap up. “Wait, Regulus?”

“Regulus,” Sirius replies calmly, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest.

“But... But... You’re the heir and successor of the House of Black! You’re the crown prince!”

“I was the crown prince,” Sirius corrects. “Those titles were stripped away from me when I told my parents I had fallen in love with a man not of noble descent, and I intended to marry him.”

Remus opens and closes his mouth, unable to find words.

“Can you imagine how foolish I felt,” Sirius continues. “Upon finding out that the man I had just given up my entire life for had left town without a word.”

“I didn’t know!” Remus exclaims. “Honest to god, I didn’t. I saw the proclamation and I assumed...” He shakes his head. “I thought you had been deceiving me.”

“I must say, I had not anticipated this turn of events,” Sirius admits. “I assumed you had heard, realised I no longer had my fortune or my titles, and was not interested in being with me without those, so decided the easiest thing to do was just to get away.”

Remus looks down at the table. “Why did you even bother to track me down?”

“Honestly?” Sirius asks. “I did not want you to get off so easy. I wanted to force you to look me in the eyes and admit it. If you were going to break my heart, you would have to do it to my face.”

“I wish you hadn’t,” Remus whispers. As Sirius arches an eyebrow, he continues. “It was easier when I could focus on how much I hated you, so I wouldn’t have to feel how much I missed you. Yes, I felt like an idiot for getting my hopes up with someone so clearly out of my league, but now I have to come to terms with being an idiot for singlehandedly ruining the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me.”

“You underestimate me.”

“I know, I should never have assumed-”

“No,” Sirius interrupts. “I mean you’re underestimating me now. Remus, I literally renounced an entire kingdom for you! Do you really think I’m going to give up that easily?”

“You... You’ll give me another chance?” Remus stares at Sirius with wide eyes, and a glimmer of hope in those eyes.

Sirius leans forward in his chair and takes Remus’ hand. “I’ve got no money, no status, no titles, no plan. Good lord, I’ve never even learned a proper profession besides being a prince! I’ve got nothing to offer but myself, if you’ll have me?”

“Always,” Remus replies instantly, squeezing Sirius’ hand as tears well up in his eyes. “Forever. You’re enough, you’ll always be enough.”

[aithusarosekiller]

Um…angst for you all

What if James did not know of Regulus’ death from a letter or a final visit, what if he had to find out in the worst way possible? Imagine James chilling with his friends on, let’s say January 1st 1980 at Sirius and Remus’ and when it arrives, Pete takes the newspaper and giving it to Sirius, who reached out for it. They only read the newspapers to hear news on the war, they don’t actually like any of the shit it says do they’ll tend to just skim it over. They’re all having a happy chat together because they need to make the most of the time they have together to be happy while I can ancestors then it just turns to this:

Sirius: right, let’s see what crap has happened now. Some more disappearances, nobody we know…nothing new here…oh, my mother has said something? What hap-…oh shit…well I can’t say I’m surprised…stupid idiot….but shit….

Remus: *takes newspaper* what is-oh

Peter: *visible confusion*

James: *takes paper and reads out loud* ‘it has been heard that early this morning Walburga Black, wife to Orion Black had been heard discussing the death of her son and heir Re-‘ fuck…. ‘We do not know the cause of death as of yet but Mrs Black has-‘ ‘Mrs Black has said that he was not ready for the responsibility he had to take and…’ shit…..

Sirius: wow…

Remus and Peter: *silent*

James: *gets up and leaves* I need air *goes outside and wonders where he ever went wrong for him to not have heard about this from Regulus himself, why he didn’t deserve to get at least a letter or a hint, whether it was true that he couldn’t take on the responsibility or whether there was more to it and whether is was even in James’ right to speculate about his death, given regulus had not bothered to tell him, knowing James would have reached out his hand to help him if he did wish to turn his back in everything for sure, thinking that he must remember all the times he had promised to when they were at school.*