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Platform 9 3/4 was bustling with hundreds of young witches, wizards, and warlocks excitedly hopping onto the Hogwarts Express. Kids shrieked with joy for the new adventures they’d experience and cried and held onto their families that they would miss oh so deeply. Owls hooted loudly in their cages while a few cats ran a little too far from their owners.
Regulus Black stared out into the crowd with complete horror. At 11-years-old, this would be his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Never had he ever been away from his parents for so long. Parents who were standing directly behind him, a hand on each of his shoulders.
Although most children were scared of having to leave their loving parents behind for 10 months, Regulus was afraid for a bit of a different reason. His parents towered over him, backs straight and chins held high. He didn’t have to turn around to see the looks of contempt and determination on their faces.
The only source of comfort he had in this situation was his brother, Sirius Black, who stood at noticeable distance from the rest of the family. He was clad in his red Gryffindor robes, adorning his red and gold stripped tie with pride. The only thing keeping him from running off with his acclaimed friends was his want to stick with Regulus, making sure he was safe.
Regulus had to admit, him and Sirius hadn’t felt the same since the older’s first year at school. One big reason—if not the whole reason—had been Sirius’ sorting. When the news came that he hadn’t joined the rest of the bloodline in Slytherin’s green and silver, Regulus hadn’t been impacted until his parents found out. To say the least, they were not very pleased. In fact, most of their anger had been directed to the closest and easiest target—their youngest son.
At first, when their parents’ "lessons" about loyalty had begun, Regulus had blamed Sirius. How could he have done this to the family? He’d thought, does he even know what this is doing to me?
Most of the year, he’d held this mentality, thinking his brother was just so selfish for what he’d done. But, as the months went on, it became increasingly difficult for Regulus to continue to hate his brother. His brother, who consistently sent him letters upon letters explaining everything Regulus would adore about his new school, who was nothing but kind to him over the winter break, even when their parents were anything but. He was just too good to hate.
Summer break had taken a lot to become remotely like what it had been before Sirius had left. Still, standing on the platform with his parents’ hands on his shoulders and Sirius eyeing the three of them cautiously, it wasn’t the same—but it would get better, it simply had to.
“Now, Regulus,” Orion Black, his father, spoke quietly yet clearly—sternly, “I know that we can trust you to make the right decisions this year. You will make us proud.” He looked at the boy without moving his head, staring him down from the bridge of his nose. A chill ran down Regulus’ spine, he still had his back turned to the two of them.
“Look at your father when he is talking to you,” Walburga Black, his mother, demanded. She spoke through gritted teeth, holding the same posture as his father. Malice laced her words as her grip on his shoulder tightened painfully. Regulus had to bite the inside of his cheek to avoid any signs of pain.
When she pulled her hand off of his shoulder, he hesitantly turned around, looking his father in the eye. He could feel Sirius’ gaze on him—it was hard to tell who was more nervous.
“Am I understand?” Despite the question, it was made obviously clear by the malevolence in his father’s features that there was only one right answer. Regulus nodded, worried his uncertainty and fear would show if he spoke. “Good.” Orion finished.
With that, their parents didn’t bother spending any time in sticking around to wave goodbye to their children, heading straight for the Appartation and Disapparation Zone.
Regulus watched as they walked off, unable to pull his eyes away as they disappeared into nothing. A part of him didn’t believe they had actually left. Yes, Orion and Walburga barely paid attention to their sons, but that didn’t mean they weren’t always being watched.
A gentle hand took Regulus out of his gaze. Sirius looked down at him with concern, making sure not to put too much pressure on his shoulder as he assumed it must hurt.
“You alright?” He asked, quickly looking him up and down. Regulus nodded unsurely, not knowing how to feel after that conversation. “C’mon then,” Sirius nodded along with him, “let’s find a compartment.”
Picking up both their trunks, Sirius lead Regulus through the crowd. The task was quite difficult, considering the abundance of people bumping into one another, the boys started to get a little separated.
Sirius fumbled slightly with the trunks as others accidentally knocked into him. Regulus kept his eyes glued on his older brother, terrified of losing him to the sea of exhilarated young wizards. He managed to get closer to him before he was sharply pulled away.
“SIRIUS!” A stranger exclaimed, grabbing Regulus’ shoulders and spinning him around to pull him into an impossibly tight embrace.
Regulus went completely rigged, unsure of what to do and almost starting to panic. Was he being attacked? Was this person trying to suffocate him? Who even was this?!
It didn’t take long for the stranger to realize the oddness of the situation. They pulled away but kept their hands firmly placed on his shoulders, keeping him in place to get a better view of who they’d ambushed.
The stranger was a boy who was taller—about the same height as Sirius. He had jet black hair that was unreasonably messy, as if he’d just exited a wind storm. Circular, wire-framed glasses sat on the bridge of his nose, emphasizing the mischievous yet lighthearted eyes behind them, which were looking at him calculatingly.
“You’re not . . .” The boy began, confusion taking over his features.
“James?” The actual Sirius called out, after having realized Regulus was not behind him, although soon finding him. “Let go of my brother, will ya, mate?” Amusement tugged at his lips.
The boy’s—James’—face lit up with joy at the sight of his best mate. He took his hands away from Regulus and immediately went over to wrap Sirius in the same embrace he’d had Regulus in just moments before. Sirius, setting down the trunks in his hands, instantly returned the gesture.
They stayed like that for a good few beats, cherishing their reunited friendship for as long as possible. Eventually, after what any normal person would consider a very awkward amount of time, they pulled apart.
“Mate, it’s so good to see you!” James clapped the other’s shoulder, a wide grin spread across his face.
“You too, it’s been forever!” Sirius replied with a grin equally as wide. Just as they were about to get into discussion about their intriguing summers, Sirius’ eyes landed on the almost scared looking Regulus. “Right,” he cleared his throat, gesturing to his younger brother, “this is my little brother, Regulus.”
James looked back at Regulus, taking in his appearance for the second time as if finally connecting the pieces. “Ah,” he nodded, smiling down at the younger boy. “James Potter,” he introduced, “sorry about that—you two look very alike.” He gently patted Regulus’ shoulder as if for reassurance.
Ignoring the comment he’d gotten almost everyday in his life, Regulus had recognized the boy’s name. Not only was Potter a famous name amongst the pureblood community, but it was also frequently mentioned in the numerous letters he’d received from his brother. Regulus felt extremely unprepared for finally meeting one of the boys Sirius would not shut up about—with his bubbly personality and the mischievous glint in his eye, James Potter was everything Sirius would want in a friend. To say least, he felt unreasonably intimidated.
Apparently he’d been quiet for a little too long, judging by the uncomfortable and confused look on Potter’s face. When Sirius noticed as well, he quickly piped in.
“Where’s Peter and Moon—er—Remus?” He asked, looking around in attempt to catch a glimpse of the other boys.
James refocused on Sirius, “They’re already on the train,” he explained, “looking for a compartment.”
The boys promptly turned to enter the train, James leading the way. Sirius reached down to pick up the trunks, glancing over at Regulus, who was wringing his hands nervously, watching the new boy walk off.
“C’mon,” Sirius tilted his head to follow, “you’ll sit with us.” After a moments more of hesitation, Regulus moved to follow the two onto the train.
They walked through the hall of the Hogwarts Express, which was just as packed as the platform itself. Most of the compartments they past were filled with laughing and screaming children, which was unbearably noisy. Swift flashes of different coloured robes rushed past him, all in a hurry to find their friends. What surprised Regulus the most was the amount of muggle clothes he also saw. Oddly shaped fabrics with abnormal symbols on them, it was both horrifying and fascinating at the same time. Though, Regulus knew he wouldn’t be caught dead wearing such monstrosities if his parents had anything to say about it.
“In here!” Regulus was pulled away from his goggling by James finding the compartment assumed to contain his other friends. Sirius didn’t waste any time in rushing over to see the people he’d missed so deeply. Regulus anxiously followed.
James was the first to enter, being greeted with cheers of joy, Sirius followed closely behind, his eyes filling with such joy that Regulus wasn’t sure he’d ever seen in him. He was also greeted with the same excitement, but that died down uncomfortably fast when Regulus stepped in behind him.
Two other boys sat in the compartment, both opposite to the window looking out onto the dispersing platform. The boy on the left was visibly the shortest of the group, even when he was sitting. He had blond, straw-like hair that fell thinly yet neatly atop his head, he also had pale blue eyes that looked at Regulus confusedly, darting between all three boys who’d just entered.
The boy on the right was much more noticeable, though. He was pale and had sandy, light brown hair that, opposite to the other boy but not as bad as James’, was quite unkept. His eyes were tired, dark almost purple bags sitting just beneath them. Yet, the most distinguishable thing about the boy were the large, deep scars that painted his face. He looked at Regulus first with an exhausted expression, which quickly matched the confusion of the other boy, but then morphed into realization upon comparing his appearance to Sirius.
“Mates,” Sirius started, a wide grin still plastered on his face, “this is my little brother, Regulus.” He introduced, then gestured to the two new boys in front of them, “Reggie, this is Peter and Remus.”
Realization hit the boy on the left—Peter—as the other—Remus—just nodded, having already figured it out rather quickly.
“You two look almost identical!” Peter commented, getting up to help James put his trunk onto the rack.
“He’s like a mini clone!” James joked. Once he finished shoving his trunk onto the rack, immediately went to help Sirius with the two other trunks. They managed to fit everything clumsily into place, Regulus made a point to stand far away from the rack in case it fell.
“As if I haven’t heard that a million times before,” Sirius huffed as he plunked down onto the seat, right next to the ever-so quiet Remus. Well, Regulus wasn’t one to talk, he’d barely spoken a word since arriving on the platform.
James chortled, plopping down next to Peter. Regulus awkwardly sat down next to Sirius, although keeping a bit of a distance from the other three.
Regulus remembered Sirius having mentioned both Peter and Remus numerous times in the letters he would send him. Peter Pettigrew was mentioned quite a bit, but not as much as the other two. Regulus recognized the name Pettigrew from the letters, and he vaguely recalled it being a name of one of the diminishing pureblood families. Though, he didn’t know much about the family, all he needed to know was that it wasn’t one his parents would be particularly fond of.
Lupin was not a name he was familiar with. He might’ve heard it before, but considering his knowledge on Latin words and names, it most likely was unrelated to the boy. But, all things considered, that meant he was not a pureblood.
Something else seemed odd about the boy as well. He felt very out of place compared to his boisterous friends. Mainly his tiresome and nonchalant demeanour seemed quite peculiar. But then again, who was he to speak? Yet the boy’s scars . . .
“So, Regulus,” James pulled him out of his thoughts. Regulus looked at him as if he’d completely forgotten he was there, he began to wring his hands nervously again. “What house do you think you’ll be sorted in?”
Right, the sorting. That was the very thing Regulus had been dreading ever since the previous year. It seemed like a simple question anyone would be interested in answering, but the thought made Regulus want to jump off the moving train.
His enter family was made up of Slytherins, from cousins, to aunts and uncles, to parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and so forth, his bloodline was built on Slytherin house. That was, until Sirius was sorted into Gryffindor. It created a whole new rift upon their name, greater resentment than before bloomed within their parents for Sirius. Now, everyone’s eyes were on Regulus and what he would do—where he would go.
The safest option was to beg the hat for Slytherin, demand he’d be put with his cousins and the other "noble" purebloods. That’s what his parents expected from, after ingraining day after day the importance of their name into his head. But, he knew if he complied, it would break his brother’s heart. Sirius meant everything to Regulus, he was the only one who understood him, who stood up and took care of him more than his parents ever could. He couldn’t imagine losing his brother, not after everything they’ve been through together.
But he was terrified of what would happen to him—both himself and Sirius. Their parents would be absolutely furious, even more so when it had only been one of them. If both they’re sons ended up disgracing their sacred name, the punishment would be worse than either of them could imagine. Regulus feared he wouldn’t be shown what they would call "mercy", he was the most expendable of the two, after all, Sirius was the heir, not him. But, knowing Sirius, he would demand to take the punishment in Regulus’ stead, like he’d done essentially every time before. And, in that case, Regulus might, out of default, become the new heir himself . . .
“Uhh,” James looked both uncomfortable and concerned after the unnaturally long wait for a response. He looked over to Sirius for an explanation, as if asking if the younger was alright.
“He’ll be a Gryffindor for sure,” Sirius supplied with confidence. Regulus swallowed, giving him an uncertain look, trying to convey his thoughts and worries. Though, Sirius hadn’t exactly caught this and segued into a new topic of conversation. “And speaking of Gryffindor—I’m definitely trying out for the Quidditch team . . .”
The four boys—or more like three, since Remus seemed to have miraculously fallen asleep despite their loud conversation—continued to talk about Quidditch and summer as Regulus tuned them out.
The whole train ride passed in a blur. The boys talked and laughed, almost forgetting that Regulus was even there. Occasionally, one of them would try to start up a conversation, but he would just stare and think, to which Sirius would either reply for him or change the topic completely. Regulus had managed to avoid uttering a single word—even Remus eventually woke up and joined the other boys in their nonstop chatter.
When the train eventually came to a stop, Regulus was surprised to only have just realized that it was no longer light out. Upon glancing out the window while the others got up to grab their trunks, he saw the dark sky that twinkled with the stars he never knew were so bright, all surrounding the newly waning moon.
But, sitting just bellow the marvellous night sky, across a great, luminous body of water, sat an enormous castle that was spotted with yellow light that shined through the windows. In a world full of magic that Regulus had known all his life, seeing Hogwarts for the first time was what he’d call truly—magical.
Regulus was pulled out of his amazement by a chuckle, it wasn’t until then that he realized he’d been gaping like a fish out of water. Quickly shutting his mouth, he stood up straight and pretended that his mind wasn’t just completely blown.
“C’mon, Reggie,” Sirius handed him his trunk, having being the only one who’d stayed back for him, “I’ll take you to Hagrid.”
Regulus wasn’t exactly sure who Hagrid was, but quickly found out after seeing the gigantic man surrounded by a bustling crowd of fellow 11-year-olds. The sight made him nervous, especially so when looking at the boats the man was standing in front of.
“Alright,” Sirius pat his shoulder, “I’ll meet you back at the castle.” He promised, his excitement not doing much to ease the younger.
Regulus looked at him with a new look of worry, “Wait,” his voice was shakier than he would’ve liked, “you’re not coming with me?” His gut wrenched at the thought of going off with these complete strangers, while his brother went off Merlin knows where for however long!
Sirius set his trunk down, now placing both hands on his shoulders. “You’ll be okay, Regulus, I promise. It won’t be for that long and I’ll save you a seat at dinner, alright?” He gave him a reassuring smile.
Regulus did not think this was alright, but he knew better than to make a scene in public. Reluctantly, he nodded, making no indications of moving.
“Go make some friends,” Sirius encouraged, rubbing Regulus’ shoulders as one last attempt at comfort. He picked up his trunk and set off to go find his friends, heading in the opposite direction, leaving Regulus to fend for himself and join the jumbled mix of first year students.
The next half hour or so consisted of a rocky boat ride across what he learned to be the Great Lake, which had a few close encounters with an unreasonably large squid. Once they docked, the students were taken into the castle itself. Regulus had to say, it was more magnificent than he could’ve ever imagined, especially up close. They were introduced to one of their new teachers, professor McGonagall, who gave a brief description of each of the houses.
Regulus’ gut wrenched as he was quickly pulled out of his mystical admiration of the school. Yes, this was Hogwarts, and in just minutes he’d be served a fate to which would destine him to a life of difficultly on both parts. No matter where he was sorted, neither of his options would bring him true tranquility. Both had terrifying downsides he was not ready to face.
He vaguely remembered being taken through tall, wide doors, entering an enormous dining hall. His eyes were glued to the back of someone’s robes walking in front of him, refusing to even dare search for his brother. No, he was too ashamed, why couldn’t he just make up his mind? The fact he was even having doubts would be enough to disappoint Sirius, he couldn’t bare to see his hopeful and confident expression.
The first year students halted, Regulus looked up just enough to see they were gathered in front of a stool. On top of the stool sat an old, ragged hat that came to life once professor McGonagall stood beside it.
Regulus could see the hat’s mouth moving, but he couldn’t hear a thing it said. His ears were ringing intensely and he was too focused on his incomprehensible thoughts. He couldn’t help but feel the speed of time was at odds with itself. Some moments dragged on much too long while others sped up too fast for him to comprehend.
He wasn’t aware when the first student was called, only coming to when a loud roar erupted from the hat.
“HUFFLEPUFF!”
The students and teachers all respectively clapped as the yellow clad table whopped and cheered for their new housemate. The student walked over to sit with them, a wide, childish grin over taking their features.
It wasn’t until the second student was called that Regulus realized the order of the sorting—alphabetical. His stomach plummeted as his doom loomed closer than he’d originally thought. A part of him had expected it to be first come first serve, for the professor to choose the nearest student, oh how he wished that were the case.
A couple of kids up and went, their sortings varying in time. It shouldn’t have been surprising that it didn’t take long for the professor to start calling out the students whose last names started with the letter B.
His heart almost completely stopped upon hearing a name that sounded remotely similar to his. Luckily, it wasn’t his time just yet.
Regulus took his last moments to barely look around him. The other first years looked a combination of excited and anxious, although known as bad as him. Looking past them, he took in the layout of the tables. Slytherin and Gryffindor were each on the opposite sides of the Hall. He wasn’t sure if that made him feel better or worse.
His observations were cut short when he was lightly nudged in the arm by a fellow first year. It took him a moment to notice to slim path created for him, clearing his way to the stool as all eyes were on him.
Regulus froze, palms becoming alarmingly sweating as his legs felt rooted to the ground. No, he thought, not now, not yet, this can’t be happening! He swallowed thickly, his entire body feeling like lead.
Another nudge to the arm sent him the message that the others were starting to get impatient. Regulus fisted the robes at his sides, taking the first steps out of the crowd. Once he starting moving, it almost felt like he wasn’t at all—as if he was floating. When he got to the stool, he reluctantly took a seat.
The entire staff and student body watched him intently, but he felt most of the tension coming from both the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables. The others, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, murmured amongst one another, as if taking guesses and placing bets to where the young boy would go.
The hat was placed onto his head. Regulus stared at his feet as a sudden voice intruded into his mind.
Hmmm, it grumbled, Another Black, eh? You’d think this would be easy, but I assume we’ve a similar situation as last year . . . yes, I’d say so . . .
Regulus didn’t say anything—not sure what to say. His heart fluttered at the comparison to his brother, but his stomach churned at the thought of his parents. This whole thing was too dangerous, he didn’t know what to think, what to ask for. So he stayed quiet, maybe letting fate take its course would be easiest?
Having doubts about Slytherin, hm? The hat hummed, reading his thoughts perfectly, You’d be a good fit, it described, yes, you’d accomplish many things there. Although . . . it pondered, Gryffindor seems to be set in your mind, yes?
Regulus tightened his fists around his robes, his heart racing vigorously. His eyes squeezed tightly shut, spots blooming beneath his lids at the pressure. He was, yet again, at a loss for words. Turns out, waiting for fate to sort itself out was the most terrifying thing for one to sit through.
I can see the bravery in your heart, the hat acknowledged, humming in agreement that soon turned to the contrary. Though, your mind is very complex, it pointed out, Not something I see very often in your family. . . . I can see you haven’t been influenced as much as the others, no, your mind is much more open . . .
Regulus had no idea where the hat was going or what it was trying to say. The sudden deeper analysis of his family was a bit off putting and he wanted the hat off as soon as possible.
I can see you’re weighing your options very heavily . . . Regulus could no longer tell if the hat was talking to him or itself. Quite analytical you’re being . . . taking everything into account, eh? If it was directed to him, he didn’t answer. Hmm . . . say, you’re confident in going wherever I put ya, yes? Wherever you go . . . it’ll be acceptable, no?
Regulus squeezed his eyes even tighter, if it was even possible. He didn’t want to open them—he couldn’t—too afraid to see what awaited him at either tables. We’re these questions a test? Was the hat trying to pull a solid answer from him? Yes or no? Left or right? Red or green? He’d run this moment through his head a thousand times, and still, he couldn’t think of the right thing to say. Was there even a right answer at all? He was ashamed as he gave a feeble, barely audible answer—if you could even call it that, “Please . . .” The thud of his heart and queasiness of his stomach amplified, he refused to acknowledge the prick of emotion in his eyes.
Well then, the hat renounced, it’s voice filled with new found confidence, you’re an intelligent young man with a bright future, you’ll be most welcome in—
“RAVENCLAW!”
The room stilled, shock and bewilderment washing over the entire Hall. No one clapped. No one cheered. The only sound to be heard was the scuffing of shoes and the shuffling of some very confused muggle-borns.
The hat was lifted from his head, but Regulus wasn’t able to move—completely and utterly petrified. This must’ve been a dream, this couldn’t be real. He must’ve misheard the hat. There was no feasible possibility that Regulus Arcturus Black was a Ravenclaw.
After the wave of shock passed over the hall, the first person to make noise professor McGonagall. She lightly clapped. Soon followed by a few of the other professors as well as one or to prefects, neither being from Gryffindor or Slytherin, most likely the polite Ravenclaws.
Regulus didn’t remember getting up or walking over to the table. He only knew he had when it registered that he was staring at an empty dinner plate. The sorting continued, albeit being a little awkward, the pace picked up quickly.
He had no interest in where the other first years were going, the only thing he was able to think of was how truly screwed he was. What would mother and father say? What would Sirius say? What would the rest of the family think? The family had never really given the other houses a second thought. Sure, they definitely did not like Hufflepuff, but Ravenclaw? What was there even to say?
What did it matter? He was too indecisive, that was his down fall. He’d failed, just when he was so focused on pleasing everyone, he managed to ruin everything! There was no doubt his parents would be warming up their wands the minute they got word. Regulus was done for. And since he hadn’t even simply chosen Gryffindor, Sirius would feel too betrayed to protect him.
Maybe he deserved what was coming for him. After all, it was his fault. It was a basic decision, one that any 11-year-old could make! And he was too incompetent to have just picked a side!
Regulus could feel multiple eyes on him, he could only guess who they were coming from. Sirius, most definitely, perhaps his friends as well, maybe a cousin from the Slytherin table? He knew Narcissa, who was a good few years older than him, still went to Hogwarts. Was she disappointed? Was she angry? Did she care?
Eventually the sorting ended, and the dinner feast began. Everyone scooped plenty of helpings of freshly cooked food onto their plates, relieved to finally be eating after the long day on the train and overly stretched out sorting ceremony. Regulus did not fill his plate, in all honesty, he was repulsed at the thought of eating at the moment. No one took much notice to this, and if they had, they didn’t bother to say anything. Everyone at the table—his fellow Ravenclaws—left him alone.
The Hall filled with friendly chattering that went straight over Regulus’ head, only becoming louder as the feast went on. Dessert was served soon after, filled with sweet and savoury custards and puddings as well as cakes and biscuits. Again, he did not eat any. Once that had come gone, all the plates were taken away. He watched his disappear before him despite being as clean as it had been when it was firstly set.
All the students looked up, watching the podium as the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, started his welcoming speech. Regulus didn’t listen, eyes glued onto the wooden table as his ears blocked out almost all noise. He didn’t understand a single word that was said but he didn’t care either. All his energy was focused on trying to appear indifferent, to pretend he didn’t feel like screaming, breaking down, begging the hat to reconsider. What’s done is done. There was nothing he could do.
When everyone stood from their seats, Regulus assumed it was time to be taken back to their common rooms. For the first time since he’d sat down, he looked up. Not much had changed, but he made sure to focus only on the prefects. The eyes he’d felt before were still on him. He didn’t have the heart to look whoever it was in the face.
The students all exited the Great Hall, bundled together with their respective houses. The Ravenclaws moved along to Merlin knows where in the castle, Regulus forced to follow. His walking became sluggish, it didn’t take long for him to fall behind, soon tailing the group from a few feet away, the distance gradually growing farther with each step.
“Regulus!” He was stopped dead in his tracks.
Similar to what had happened that morning on the platform, Regulus was pulled around by his shoulders and pulled into suffocatingly tight hug.
This time, though, the figure holding him was much more familiar. He couldn’t help but wrap his arms around his older brother just as tightly and sink into his shoulder.
One thing about the Black household was that no one showed much affection to one another. There were no bedtime hugs and kisses, or reassuring pats on the shoulder, or, Merlin forbid, any I love yous. So, the brothers weren’t always that touchy with each other, at least, not that often. Hugs would often feel awkward and out of place, especially as they got older. When they were younger, the closest they would get would be when Regulus would crawl into Sirius’ bed because he was scared, as much as he hated to admit it, of thunderstorms, or after a practically hard day with their parents.
But as Sirius embraced him, Regulus couldn’t help but think how different it felt. How much more natural and comfortable it was. He never wanted to pull away.
“Reggie . . .” Sirius mumbled against his head, starting to gently rub his back.
Hearing the nickname was just the thing to push him over the edge. Tears flowed down Regulus’ face in thick streams, he sniffed loudly, forced to breathe through his mouth. Every emotion he’d felt that night bubbling up inside him was finally boiling over and washing over him in never ending waves.
“I . . .” Regulus croaked, “I couldn’t do it. Sirius, I didn’t get in I—I’m s—”
Sirius pulled away, but kept his hands firmly on Regulus’ upper arms, looking him directly in the eye. “Hey,” he spoke softly, “you don’t have to apologize . . .” He flickered his gaze between both his eyes, heart breaking at seeing how the tears continued to fall. “Reg, it’s going to be okay,” he promised, “I’m so proud of you.”
“B-but,” Regulus sniffed, “I didn’t get into Gryffindor like you said. . . .”
“Forget what I said—that wasn’t the point.” Sirius put on a reassuring smile, “The point is to be yourself, follow your own path. And if that means my little brother is a Ravenclaw, then I know you’ll be the bloody smartest of them all! I couldn’t be more ruddy proud!”
Tears fogged Regulus’ sight, making it harder to see Sirius properly. “W-what about mother and father?” He asked, voice wavering and raspy from crying.
Sirius was also worried about their parents, but for the sake of calming Regulus down, he put on a brave face. “Screw what they think!” He exclaimed triumphantly, “You’re a Ravenclaw just as much I’m a Gryffindor—they’ll just have to deal with it. And Regulus, I promise you that no matter what happens, I will protect you. Okay?”
Despite himself, Regulus let out a breathy laugh through his nose. He quickly wiped his eyes, vision no longer blurred by tears. The two looked at each other for a beat before Regulus went in for another hug, which Sirius gladly reciprocated.
The two stayed together in the hall for a little while longer before having to part ways. Saying goodbye was hard, but at least it wasn’t forever. Regulus hadn’t felt so bad anymore, eased by the thought of still having his brother by his side. He knew, in one way or another, he’d be okay—they’d both be okay.