Chapter Text
𝐓𝐡𝐞 + 𝟏 (𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫)
It hadnt taken Remus six hours to arrive.
It had taken him five.
Simply because he had speeded at a limit he whould never tell Sirius about ,and turned a blind eye to a red light or two.
Or three…Or all of them.
„What is she put a bomb inside of it or something?“
„Now, why would she just have a bomb lying around inside the house?“
„Have you seen that house?“
Currently tho, Remus had not yet arrived.
Sirius was laid down onto the living room coutch, where the potter family could keep an eye on him. The entire family. including Monty- who had showed up with Sirius‘ runaway bag in his hands.
Hair tousled and with a matching bruise on his cheek the elderly men had set the heavy thing down onto the couch table and since then, Monty and James had been discussing whether to open it or not.
„And she just gave it to you?“
Sirius repeated, disbelieve hearble in his voice.
„i suppose… after Orion stormed back inside the house she walked past him with the bag in her hand. Pushed it against my chest and told me to tell you to ‚never come the hell back“
„Wasn’t planning to“
Sirius grumbled but it sounded bitter even to his own ears. His eyes remained locked on the bag.
„Ah fuck it, James, help me up“
„Nah you remain laying right where you are“
his best friend took a deep breath as if preparing for war instead of opening a old sports bag.
„I‘ll open it“ he nodded honourably.
Euphomia rolled her eyes and Monty sat down at Sirius‘ feet with a sighn.
Slowly peeling open the zipper as if he had a bomb in his hand already, James took in what lay before them.
Once opened the sight of clothes met them. And some monney. A cheap phone.
And a folded paper.
„i didn’t- that’s not from me?“ Sirius breath hitched, making him wince. His lungs burned.
Monty placed a comforting hand on his ancle and nodded forward his son „what is inside?“ he asked.
Carefully James opened the envelope, pulling out its contents for everyone to see.
It wasn‘t a bomb.
It was explosive never the less.
James‘ eyes skipped over the paper before he lowered his body into a sqard, one hand pressed against his lower face, the other tightening on the letter.
„What? Is it a threat or something?“
Sirius was already beginning to Imagining Walburga sitting at there ridiculously huge dinner table, one of Regulus‘ bright yellow children‘ scissors in hand, cutting out big letters from the newspapers to glue them onto paper like a ransom note.
God being nervous made him stupid
„James? Spit it out?!“
he begann to think it was genuinely something dangerous when he saw tears form inside his best friends eyes.
„It’s your inharinge.
Sighned.“
Suddendly Sirius didnt feel like copying with humour anymore.
„What?!“
he regrettfully pushed himself up. Or atleast he tried to.
His torso ached and his arms shook, sending him back onto his back on the couch. Left to softy repeat his question again into to equally confused room.
„she signed it pads. It’s here in black on white. Even if your father wishes he wont be able to take it from you now“
James shuffled on his knees torwards Sirius, untill he was sitting on the floor next to the couch, raising his hand to show the letter to Sirius- who stayed verry quiet after seeing it.
„Its the least she could‘ve done“
Euphemia commented, nodding slowly as if peacing together a puzzle. If the puzzle were a deeply Narcissistic sadist unreadable women, that was.
„whould you allow me to keep it safe for you son? I‘ll store it safley with the family fomulars“
Monty offered , to wich Sirius responds with a hesitant nod. Monty stood up and carefully took the letter from Sirius. Offering a ressuring nod and smile, before getting out the living room and up to his office room.
Why whould his mother have done that? Why hate him all his life and curse him for leaving but give him the means to go on?
All thoughts about his mother cease to an end when Remus did arrive.
Announcing himself by loudly slamming open the potters door, that always was unlocked for everyone. Litterly and figuratively.
„Sirius?“
the oh so familar voice called out. But before Sirius could even answear the tall men already stood at the living rooms door. Looking right at Sirius.
Up and down his eyes went over Sirius‘ body. Intensifying the wish to sit up for Sirius. To properly greet Remus and maybe make himself look a little less shittyer then he was feeling.
James got him.
Supporting his weight by placing one hand onto Sirius‘ back as they both pushed him into a sitting position. Sirius wanted to thank him. Give him a appreciative nod. But he couldn’t look at James.
Because he couldn‘t look away from Remus.
Who in turn looked at Sirius like nothing else existed.
Remus‘ jaw was clenched tightly. His Adam’s apple moved. His chest stood still,denied of oxygen.
Then he turned his back to the room and stormed out the Manor.
Sirius was so shocked he looked at the other for guidance but they in turn looked at him and then, for a moment, the three left in the room just all were without answears.
„I will make you three some tee and something to eat“
Euphemia Offered.
Leaning forward to squeeze Sirius‘ hand before escaping to the kitchen.
At least she had said ‚you three‘. Wich meant she assumed Remus would be back.
He would be ,right?
Of course he whould be.
Not even five minutes later Remus re-appeared at his spot at the door, as if he had never left. Only that the knuckles of his right hand were bleeding now.
James opened his mouth, probably to ask Remus what happened, but then seemed to think better of it. Instead he raised himself from where he was croutching on his knees next to where Sirius sat on the coutch, and gave one firm pat on Remus‘ shoulder before leaving in the direction of the kitchen.
Presumingly to help his mother.
Definitely to give them space.
Sirius appreciated it. How the potters offered him not only there home but the right to take up space in it too. Easily, as if he deserved it.
„Did you punch the first poor guy you saw on the street?“
Sirius tried for lightining the mood.
He missed.
„A tree actually“
right.
„Tell me you changed your mind. Tell me i got your permission to beat the shit out of that waste of space“
the halfhearted attempt of easiness had clearly been given up by Remus pleading.
Who also closed the distance between them. Stopping to stand infront of Sirius. His legs between the shorter boys manspreading legs, back curled forward to get as close to an eye to eye level as they could manage from this angle, given Remus‘ height.
in contract to Remus‘ harsh word his hands were verry gentle with taking Sirius‘ face between them.
Tilting it slightly to the side and up so he could take a better look at the damage Orions ringed firsts left.
„No“
Sirius responds, too quiet, too vulnable. Clearing his troat he repeated in a more stable voice
„we will have to keep you criminal record very clean“
That earned him raised eyebrow from Remus and the tild of his head.
„And why is that?“
„Because,“
Sirius started, reaching up to clasp his hand over the back of Remus‘ that’s holding his bruised face.
Remus‘ bleeding Hand.
„I have a sleeping toddler upstairs in a guest room, for who i will fight with all that i got with to get custody of, to hopefully soon life with me and my boyfriend.“
Remus‘ thumb swiped over the bruise already blooming on Sirius‘ cheek. So light it was almost tickling him.
Sirius expected a Argument from Remus. Like how Sirius would defendly get custody if the black brothers tragically had been made orphans. Or a scolding that he should think about himself for once.
What he hadn't expected was for Remus to get on his knees for him. Run his fingers past his bruised face into his knotet hair and lean forward to softly connect there lips.
Remus must‘ve tasten the blood on Sirius‘ lips and for Sirius‘ part no matter how soft the contact, his burst open lip burned.
It was so perfect Sirius‘ blodshot eyes teared up.
Quickly he blinked the unshed tears away. Remus‘ thumb still stroke under his eyes regardless, once he had pulled away.
„We will fight with all that we’ve got“
Was the answer he got instead.
𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟏.
꧁ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ꧂
For a child that had felt so unsafe in its home, Regulus missed it terribly.
Even now, six months later and with Regulus freshly having turned five years old, Sirius noticed the sorrow the kid carried.
That is not to say that Regulus didn’t like it at the Potters. He ran around the halls freely and ate better than he had back at the stiff dinner table at Grimmauld Place.
The boy was also very adamant on verbally assuring he liked it at the Potters. Saying so much to the Potters themselves, to Remus—who visited often—but mostly to Sirius.
As if the small human realised what it had taken for Sirius to get them here. Probably motivated by said realisation, Regulus didn’t speak up about how much he missed his home. His room. His plushies.
But what sort of brother, what sort of caretaker, would Sirius be if he couldn’t see every longing in those eyes that so very much mirrored his own.
„You look very good, Mister Black.“
The older Black was crouched down in front of the younger, trying to make him smile with his playful words.
Performatively fixing the younger’s blazer that he had bought him for this very situation.
Regulus really did look like a proper little gentleman. Nevertheless, Sirius would burn the stiff clothes once this was over. Watch them disappear into nothing like the worry that had been eating him alive for months.
„They’re gonna ask you a lot of questions, Reg.“
One of his hands stopped the pointless fighting to fix where there was no crease on Reggie‘ clothes, and placed itself against Regulus’ cheek instead.
„Remember, just be honest to them. And don’t be scared. I will be there in the room with you. And so will Effie and Monty. And Jamie and Uncle Moony, okay?“
Matter-of-factly, said people were already in said room.
The courtroom.
Reggie’s little lungs expanded in his chest, making him look like a brave penguin.
Sirius was so proud of him.
Sirius was so fucking scared.
Both Black brothers entered court, chins equally held high, Regulus’ hand reached up to hold Sirius’. Or as much of it as his short fingers could grasp around Sirius’ bigger hand at least.
Doubt had been dragging alongside Sirius.
How much did Regulus really understand of the situation besides that it had been bad?
Would the boy’s natural need for his parents outcancel the safety Sirius could offer him?
Would the lawyer be fair or rather biased towards his rich parents instead of a twenty-one-year-old who didn’t have his living situation nor his job figured out?
Only one suggestive question towards Regulus could manipulate the small boy.
And then they’d take him away.
Sirius’ hand was sweaty in Regulus’ grasp, making the younger boy look up at his big brother with intense eyes, watching him carefully.
Sirius didn’t want his brother to see the stress in his face. How the skin under his eyes was blue and purple from his lack of sleep and his lips were chewed open from anxiety.
But Regulus looking up at him at least meant he didn’t look at their parents who were already seated in the courtroom, looking right at Sirius , but with a lot less admiration than their youngest son did.
„Mister Sirius Black and Regulus Arculus Black. Please be seated.“
A small mercy; the allowance to let them sit beside each other.
For now.
Sirius’ lawyer was to his right (the Potters’ family lawyer) while the Potters themselves were seated behind them.
Regulus sat to his right. Holding Sirius’ hand between both of his. Pressing his shoulder into his side like trying to melt into being one person with Sirius.
The process began.
When it was time for the pictures that Euphemia had taken the day after Sirius arrived at their place to be shown, Sirius had gently held the back of Regulus’ head as the boy hid his face against Sirius‘ ribs. Eyes tightly screwed shut.
The kid should never see the violence painted on Sirius’ face again. It was enough that he had to look at it for weeks while the worst of the wounds had healed slowly.
“While the evidence leaves little to doubt that Mr. and Mrs. Black were abusive toward their eldest son, the matter presently under consideration is whether they possess the capacity required to care for their youngest child.”
Sirius’ teeth were clenched so tightly it hurt his jaw.
What type of parent that abused one of their children could be seen fit to take care of the other?
Filthy rich ones with a fuckass -expensive-lawyer, it seemed like.
“With the court’s permission, I would like to ask the child a few age-appropriate questions regarding his home environment.”
Said fuckass-expensive-lawyer, standing five feet short, hair sticking to the side of his deformed head.
The judge, a very old man with long white hair and an even longer beard, gave a nod and raised his hand to motion Mr. Slughorn to go on.
„I would like the child to come upfront.“
the Blacks’ lawyer got up from behind his desk himself, walking forward to the middle of the room. Looking at Regulus while pointing to the small table with a chair and a microphone in front of him.
Regulus’ hands tightened around Sirius’ and once again he felt the boy look up at him for guidance.
Sirius forced himself to relax his jaw and gave Regulus a, what he hoped to be, reassuring smile and a small nod.
Sirius only let go of Regulus’ hand when the boy had already gotten out of his seat and his arm couldn’t reach him anymore. Immediately he felt cold and his jaw went back to being clenched.
„Thank you.“
The lawyer gave a fake smile to Regulus, who had gotten into the chair. Back straight. Chin up.
Shaking hands tucked under his weight.
„Sitting before me I see a clean, well-fed and healthy individual.“
Slughorn began, but thankfully got interrupted by Sirius’ own lawyer, Mr. Weasley.
„Objection, your honour, there is no question in the statement.“
„Objection sustained. Please refrain from vague suggestions and instead ask the child what you wanted to ask.“
The old judge sighed, stealing a glance at his watch.
For a moment Slughorn’s eyes lit up in annoyance and Sirius could tell why he was the Blacks’ lawyer.
„Understood.
Regulus, did your parents ever beat you? Slap you or push you around?“
While he spoke he didn’t lower his body, besides the small tilt of his head. Forcing Regulus to look up at him from where he sat.
Sirius bet the position was intentional.
„No.- Sir.“
Regulus added the last part as a second thought.
No, they hadn’t beaten Regulus, Sirius had always made sure of it.
But Orion had locked him in a closet alright.
And his mother’s screams hurt more than any slap.
But Sirius wasn’t the one getting questioned and Regulus didn’t know what weight those situations carried.
„Thank you, Regulus. Now, would you say you love your parents?“
„Objection, leading!“
Was spoken up beside Sirius.
“Objection denied.”
The judge gave a short nod toward the witness stand.
“The question may proceed.”
Slughorn turned back toward Regulus, lowering his voice slightly.
“Regulus, do you love your parents?”
Sirius’ breath came fast and he had to press his feet hard against the floor so he would sit still in his seat.
„I- yes? Sir. I love my parents.“
Regulus’ voice was quiet, barely hearable even with the microphone positioned close to his mouth.
The bastard of a lawyer seemed satisfied. Giving Regulus a short thanks, giving the judge a small nod, and then—as he turned around to walk back to his seat—giving Sirius a smug grin.
Oh, Sirius might make an exception to his rule of not letting Remus beat up anyone for him. Or even better yet. He’d catch the piece of shit himself after court, and break his nose.
„Young man, I’d like you to go and stand with your father for a moment, if that’s all right with you.”
The judge asked from behind his tall podium, where the name tag ‚Albus Dumbledore’ stood in golden letters before him.
Panicked, Sirius turned around. Looking for help, for understanding. They couldn’t make Regulus walk up to Orion, right? James sat beside Remus and both of their gazes were already on him.
James gave him an understanding grimace.
Remus slightly shook his head.
There was nothing they could do.
The judge wanted to see how Regulus and Orion interacted with each other, the fact that they hadn’t seen each other in the last six months in consideration.
The sound of Regulus’ black patent leather shoes echoed on the marble floor, making Sirius turn his neck back.
To find Regulus walk to him in quick strides.
The courtroom wasn’t too big. Which meant that it all happened in a matter of seconds. Regulus getting up. Walking straight to Sirius and standing at his side.
Then turning around to look at the judge for approval that he had followed his command. And still awaiting his next orders.
Orion’s lawyer whispered something in his ear. Walburga stared at Sirius as if, if she tried hard enough, he would fall over dead.
Sirius looked at Regulus.
Dumbledore looked at Sirius.
But Regulus, Regulus only looked at Sirius.
„Everything’s okay, you did great up there,“
Sirius whispered to him, a hand on Reggie’s shoulder, squeezing it.
„You may sit, young man.“
Judge Dumbledore cleared his throat.
But before Regulus could properly sit in his chair next to Sirius again, three heavy thumps could be heard, produced by Dumbledore hammering down his gavel.
“Effective immediately, Regulus Arcturus Black shall remain in the care of Sirius Black for the foreseeable future. This arrangement is subject to further review by the court. Additional matters regarding long-term guardianship, visitation, and any other relevant provisions will be discussed at a later hearing.”
Heart pounding so loud in his ears, Sirius was stuck between confusion and joy and then confusion about whether or not he could be joyful yet. Had he won?
Turning to his lawyer with tears in his eyes, Sirius took one look at the kind-faced man and burst into tears.
Mr. Weasley was smiling, almost proudly, at him. A tiny nod followed.
Orion loudly screamed something into the room but Sirius didn’t even hear it.
All he could do was reach down, and pull Regulus up into his arms.
Regulus still fit inside his arms like he had as a baby.
Like he had as a toddler.
And like he did now, as a young kid.
Regulus would always fit inside his arms no matter how tall he would grow under Sirius’ care.
He would always be able to carry his baby.
His.
His boy.
The world moved in a blur. Only the feeling of Remus’ thumb wiping away his tears pulled him back into the moment.
James was hugging him. Wetting Sirius’ shirt with his tears of joy. Arms around Sirius’ and Regulus’ tangled forms while jumping a little, making them all shake.
Remus, ever his anchor, stood before them. Arm reached out to dry Sirius’ tears while his own eyes glistened.
Behind him Sirius could now see Monty and Effie. Monty’s arm over Effie’s shoulder, holding her against his side. Her head resting on his shoulder, a wet napkin in her hand, from drying her face.
Remus’ second hand followed his first in cradling Sirius’ face.
„Did I- did we do it?“
Sirius’ voice was thin like his belief. Could this possibly be it? Could it possibly finally be over?
„It’s not over yet.“
Remus spoke calmly. James huffed against Sirius’ shoulder, probably in protest to the sobering-up perspective. But like Remus knew he’d be, Sirius was glad for it. It grounded him. Made it all feel more real.
„But yes, Pads. Yes, baby, you did it.“
And then a single tear escaped Remus’ eye. Sirius just caught a glimpse of it before Remus pressed a quick kiss to Regulus’ head. Then he turned his face away. Putting a hand on Monty’s shoulder to beckon him forward for his turn to tell Sirius how proud he and Effi were.
Remus was never one for openly crying.
But Sirius never had needed to see his boyfriend’s tears to know how Remus felt, and this time wasn’t any different.
„Siri?“ came from below. Regulus’ cheek lay on his shoulder. Big eyes looking up at his.
„Oui, mon étoile?“
„Are you really my daddy now?“
How cruelly confusing this all must be for Regulus.
But strangely, while asking such a complex question, Regulus spoke with ease.
As if this was the least confusing part of it all.
„You can call me whatever you like, Reggie.“
His shaky hands pushed some of Regulus’ soft hair behind his ear.
His voice lowered in volume, his words only meant for his baby brother.
„But for me you’ll always be my kid. Always have been and always will be. My little wonder.“
Regulus nodded. Sirius could feel the movement of it under his chin where he had tucked the kid against his chest.
No, where he had tucked his kid against his chest.
Surrounded by people who loved them. Sure, he didn’t have everything figured out yet. But he also hadn’t had everything figured out when Orion first had laid the newborn in his arms. And yet here they were. And yet he would manage.
He wasn’t perfect.
But he was willing and able.